Module 02 Discussion Forum: Management of TDP
Instructions:
The AARC recognizes and supports the use of therapist implemented protocols defined as: Initiation or modification of a patient care plan following a predetermined structured set of physician orders, instructions, or interventions in which the therapist is allowed to initiate, discontinue, refine, transition, or restart therapy as the patient’s medical condition dictates.
Current medical literature supports the use of therapist implemented protocols as an effective tool for producing improved patient outcomes and appropriate allocation of services. Protocols have been attributed with:
• Helping respiratory therapists deliver appropriate and efficient care under conditions of an increased workload.
• Assuring that all treatments have established indicators.
• Reducing the volume of unnecessary care.
In this discussion, identify the competency required by a practitioner to assume the management of a TDP (therapist-driven protocols) and explain in detail.
Having Respiratory driven protocols in healthcare institution have been proven to be beneficial. Protocols with facilitate respiratory procedures and appropriate therapy at the appropriate time. Protocols allow therapist to use the education they have acquired to make clinical decisions that are needed during the care plan of the patient. It is important with a protocol for therapist to gather the proper clinical information and with that information make a proper assessment following the given protocol the signs and symptoms relate to.
While using therapist driven protocols it is important for therapist to not only be educated but have a report with the physicians so they are able to trust the therapist in the institution they work in and know that they have the skills required to take proper care of the patient within that protocol. Education and training is the most important part in a successful protocol.
According to an article written on Therapist driven protocols by the AARC, “The skilled therapist must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of:
- Anatomic alterations of the lungs caused by common respiratory disease
- Major pathophysiologic mechanisms activated in the cardiopulmonary system
- Common clinical manifestations that result from the pathophysiologic mechanism
- Treatment modalities used to correct the clinical manifestations.” When these things are done and these competencies’ followed a therapist will be successful in their institution TDP.
