Pyramid of Care: Pediatric Edition

By Matthew S. Pavlichko, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS

As our healthcare landscape changes, reimbursement difficulties, cost containment, readmission penalties, and the role and scope of the future respiratory therapist is up for debate. Identifying and providing value to the patient and the organization is imperative for any respiratory care department, large or small.  Our value is never more evident than during a respiratory emergency, most importantly, of a pediatric patient.  This article will review the historical need for winter pediatric preparations in respiratory care as well as the treatment theory called the “Respiratory Pyramid of Care: Pediatric Edition.”

Panel Discussion: NIV and HFNC for Neonates

and Pediatric Patients

Moderator:  Kathleen Deakins, RRT-NPS FAARC

Panelists:  Rob DiBlasi, RRT-NPS

                   Lee Williford, RRT-NPS, RCP

                   Keith Hirst, MS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C

Several methods are used in pediatric and infant populations to ensure adequate breathing and sufficient levels of blood oxygen. These methods are placed along a continuum or pyramid of utility. Two of the most popular methods are: High-Flow nasal cannula (HFNC) which adds heat and humidity to the air flow to create a level of comfort that other oxygen devices are lacking, and continuous positive pressure airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which is a noninvasive method of delivering air to the lungs under mild pressure. In this panel discussion, three experts discuss the pros and cons of HFNC as well as CPAP, and when and how they should be used.

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This program is sponsored by Teleflex