The Respiratory Therapy department at St Joseph Hospital cares for both inpatient and outpatient populations in need of our services.
Inpatient
Under the direction of our Medical Director, William Stephan, MD, FCCP, the respiratory therapy department utilizes Therapist Driven Protocols to tailor each patient’s respiratory care plan to best suit his/her needs. The protocols allow the therapists to make changes within the framework of the guidelines, as the patient’s health status changes. For example, by using the Post-Op Protocol the respiratory therapists will assess patients after surgery and tailor a plan for them, which may include bronchodilators, oxygen, bronchial hygiene, and volume expansion therapies, as needed. Other protocols apply to patients who have COPD, or use a ventilator.
The department manages life-support devices, and recently purchased new Servo “i” mechanical ventilators for use in the critical care areas. The therapists at St. Joseph Hospital manage and maintain the Arterial Blood Gas Lab, as well as the Pulmonary Function Lab. Therapists are encouraged to complete an Endotracheal Intubation course. After the course completion, the therapists are certified to intubate inpatients and emergency room patients during emergency situations. The therapists respond to all CODE and Trauma Team situations.
Outpatient
The department runs a busy Pulmonary Function Laboratory. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) include: Spirometry, Diffusion Capacity, Thoracic Gas Volume, Lung Volumes, Airway Resistance, Methacholine Challenge, and Disability tests. PFTs are done to rule out various forms of lung disease including; pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, progression of a disease, and are also used to monitor possible effects of medications on the lungs.
A Pulmonary Rehab program, directed by Greg Fanaras, MD, FCCP, serves the patients who suffer from chronic lung disease. The program meets twice a week for eight weeks and includes individualized exercise programs as well as lectures on the many aspects of living with lung disease. The goal of the program is to increase the patients’ knowledge of their disease, help them to control it, and increase their overall endurance, health, and well being.
