The Rapid Implementation of Ad Hoc Tele-Critical Care Respiratory Therapy (eRT) Service in the Wake of the COVID-19 Surge.

ABSTRACT: A 24/7 telemedicine respiratory therapist (eRT) service was set up as part of the established University of Pennsylvania teleICU (PENN E-LERT®) service during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving five hospitals and 320 critical care beds to deliver effective remote care in lieu of a unit-based RT. The eRT interventions were components of an evidence-based care bundle and included ventilator liberation protocols, low tidal volume protocols, tube patency, and an extubation checklist. In addition, the proactive rounding of patients, including ventilator checks, was included. A standardized data collection sheet was used to facilitate the review of medical records, direct audio-visual inspection, or direct interactions with staff. In May 2020, a total of 1548 interventions took place, 93.86% of whic

SUBMITTER: Pierce M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8837076 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature