05 Jan14:37pm
Meet Your Telerespiratory Therapist: Ann Capaul, RRT
A video in a series introducing rtNOW telerespiratory therapists.
833-786-6948
connect@rtnow.net
A video in a series introducing rtNOW telerespiratory therapists.
Being a HME company in America isn’t easy. You want to provide quality care for patients, but every year it seems to get harder. There are respiratory therapist shortages, dwindling dollars, mountains of regulations, and billing rates that are simply not adequate?
The good news is that there is a pressure-release valve, and it’s name is “HME On-Call”. If these problems sound familiar, read on for 5 reasons you should consider a telehealth solution.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, attitudes toward telehealth were mixed at best. The prevailing attitude (among the elderly in particular) was that visiting a hospital or having a provider visit the home were the “safest” options, and many people simply didn’t question whether or not this was accurate for their particular circumstances. The reasons for this range from personal habit to lack of physician adoption, but one thing that can be said for certain is that coronavirus has dramatically shifted public opinion – especially in elderly populations.
Hospitals and providers that used to be considered safe are now viewed as potential dangers – and for good reason. It makes little sense to get in-person training or troubleshooting on a piece of equipment while being potentially exposed to coronavirus.
Enter telehealth.
Telehealth can mitigate unnecessary trips to patient homes, reduce hospital readmissions, and provide patient confidence that they are getting the safest form of care possible in a pandemic and post-pandemic world. This can reduce stress and at times provide working equipment faster than dispatching a technician, further contributing to the overall health of the patient.
The same reasons for mitigating exposure to patients can also apply to providers. Coronavirus has shown that danger exists not only to patients, but to clinicians and technicians entering the home environment. With the delay in onset of symptoms, challenging access to testing, and an ongoing growth of knowledge of the virus, the best answer to protect providers (and the companies that employ them) is to limit contact with patients. As such, telehealth has emerged as a powerful and necessary resource to handle all but the most essential home visits. It protects providers, preserves essential supplies, limits liability, and fosters a confidence with employees that their lives are protected and valued, resulting in both tangible and intangible benefits.
Is there any HME cost more unnecessary than dispatching an RT or technician to plug in a machine? The great news is that there are numerous ways that telehealth can be utilized to reduce these trips. From tracking a line problem to confirming that a GFCI outlet has been reset, telehealth can be utilized as a first line of defense before sending someone to a patient’s home.
A potentially greater, although harder to define, reduction of expenses can be found in reducing “RT Burnout”. With the current shortage in respiratory therapists, it is more important than ever to keep RTs satisfied in their job. As such, removing on-call demands – especially the unnecessary ones – goes a long way to showing respiratory therapists they are valued. This boosts morale and reduces attrition, reducing the HR burden associated with replacing an RT, as well as the costs associated with downtime.
Telehealth is still in its infancy – especially in the HME/DME space. As with most new technological solutions, those who reap the greatest benefits are those who adopt the changes early enough to maintain a competitive edge. The use of telehealth can be communicated to your clients – providing another value-add that shows you are on top of industry changes. The associated benefits to patient and provider health are selling points that can position your company as the vendor of choice. Speaking of positioning, it also allows the ability to scale your business in ways previously unattainable as some of the limits of time and space are removed from everyday tasks.
Moving a step beyond patient safety, we can begin to focus on areas of customer service. Telehealth technology and workflow can provide a level of patient feedback that is consistent and reportable. Is the technician or provider representing your company well? What areas of improvement or innovation can be found? Giving the patient a voice while taking care of their problems remotely can be a powerful way to create lasting relationships with your company without sacrificing time or money.
rtNOW pioneered a HME telehealth solution called “HME On-Call” – a service that provides telerespiratory therapists to HME patients up to 24/7/365. HIPAA-compliant telehealth software is utilized, and the therapists are trained to troubleshoot HME equipment in any state. If your HME company has trouble with “RT Burnout”, unnecessary dispatches, and patient/provider safety, then visit rtnow.net/HME, call (833) 786- 6948, or email Curt Merriman at curt@rtnow.net.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Curt Merriman – rtNOW C.S.O.
Phone:(833) 786-6948
Email: curt@rtnow.net
FRANKENMUTH, MI, October 13, 2020 – Telerespiratory pioneer rtNOW announced a new service aimed at solving respiratory therapy problems in the HME/DME healthcare industry. Named “HME On-Call”, the service provides 24/7/365 access to a respiratory therapist who is trained to troubleshoot HME calls using proprietary telehealth software.
“HME Companies have had a rough time keeping respiratory therapists – especially during the current RT (respiratory therapist) shortage,” said Chuck Stadler, Jr., President and CEO of rtNOW. “A large part of the reason is that too much is required of them. Our telerespiratory therapists have been trained to navigate the complexities of HME equipment, patient interactions via telehealth, and how to dispatch a client’s RT only when necessary. As a result, patients and providers are safer, disease exposure is mitigated, and respiratory therapists are able to have the work-life balance necessary for a long-term position. This also reduces costs associated with RT turnover, downtime, and continuity of care.”
The concept of telerespiratory care has been rapidly gaining momentum in recent years. rtNOW has had success as the first respiratory-care specific telehealth company in the nation.
“We have been fortunate to maintain a culture of innovation, and our services have been well received. HME On-Call utilizes our CoreLink software solution, making HIPAA-compliant telehealth easily accessible to most patients. We know the industry well, we want to connect patients and providers, and we have a passion for empowering respiratory care,” Mr. Stadler said.
rtNOW is a respiratory care telehealth solution that provides up to 24/7/365 access to an experienced, licensed respiratory therapist. It provides inpatient and outpatient respiratory care solutions, as well as solutions for higher education and HME/DME companies.
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For additional information about rtNOW please visit www.rtnow.net/HME or contact Curt Merriman at curt@rtnow.net.
Please note, with the unprecedented demands COVID-19 has placed on our profession, the distribution of certificates for the CEU will be slightly delayed. We apologize for this. As you can imagine, we are doing our best to be responsive to the needs of the participants, but our first priority has to be responding to the immediate needs of this pandemic.
Clinical Practice Questions
A: Infection Prevention Team, we have been (obviously) extra conscientious about hand hygiene and monitoring for staff and patient symptoms. We have also been instructed to wear masks, eye shield and gloves when performing PFTs, given that PFTs can be cough-inducing, i.e. being at higher risk of exposure.
We have also instructed our team to wear masks, eye shields and gloves when performing PFTs. Additional screening has been put into place prior to testing. We are postponing all testing in patients who have been symptomatic (flu-like symptoms) within 21 day prior to the appointment. If a patient comes in symptomatic, we are obtaining a temperature and following our emergency room protocol.
Calling patients prior to testing and asking health screening questions to help determine if they should come in for testing or not.
I have also been hearing many health organizations are looking to halt OP testing of any sort if it is routine or does not have an impact on other treatment or surgical interventions.
A: There are good article references in the AARConnect “Resources for COVID-19” community if you are an AARC member. Also from what I have been reading using ventilation/oxygenation techniques as you would for any patient would be appropriate.
A: This would be up to your facility & lab policy.
A: This will vary from patient to patient due to all the individual variables factoring into the specific case.
A: I refer you to the CDC.gov web page for the most up to date information. I have not seen the statistics presented exactly as you have asked in your question.
A: This is unfolding in realtime and would look to your internal organizations plans and following the CDC.gov web site. I have heard of some OP diagnostic centers considering postponing testing unless essential for treatment determination.
A: The CDC.gov has great information and suggested guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
A: One of our speakers referenced an article from China indicating that NIV was not very effective in treating some of the patients and they also discussed using a “helmet” patient interface with NIV.
A: CDC says to use airborne infection isolation rooms only when a known COVID-19 infection + aerosol generating procedures
A: What I have seen is that protocols for use of multi-canister mdi are not applicable for patients in isolation.
A: What I have seen is that protocols for use of multi-canister mdi are not applicable for patients in isolation.
A: Because of the droplet transmission, it is recommended to minimize aerosols that may carry and disperse aerosols. It would be reasonable to consider non-aerosol generating therapeutic inter-change.
A: Refer to CDC.gov, however children have not been affected as much compared with influenza viruses
A: Due to the potential aerosol/droplet dispersion of these modalities, some references discourage their use.
A: Because of the droplet transmission, it is recommended to minimize aerosols that may carry and disperse aerosols. It would be reasonable to consider non-aerosol generating therapeutic inter-change.
A: Each patient presents a unique situation, the decision to intubate, or not, will depend on a number of factors specific to each patient. Using evidence based criteria in determining the appropriateness of intubation in any specific situation is recommended.
A: This is certainly a challenge…even when protocols are utilized! If your ordering physician is receptive to seeing information present the treatment guidelines from the CDC.
A: The following may be a good resource: https://www.itnonline.com/content/how-does-covid-19-appear-lungs
A: Like disinfection the surface & equipment etc.. Look to CDC.gov for guidance and your standard procedures
A: Look to CDC.gov for guidance and your standard procedures
A: Shawna Strickland@Victoria Hodges – I believe the advice is to put the patient in a negative pressure (airborne infection isolation room) during that procedure if possible.
A: I refer you to CDC.gov the CDC and private labs are ramping up production of testing kits with daily updates. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html#investigational-therapeutics
A: I don’t know that there has been enough evidence reported to date regarding other vaccinations. Underlying chronic conditions has a significant factor affecting the mortality rate in conjunction with the age of the patient. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html#investigational-therapeutics
A: Facility internal resources will likely be the determining factor.
A: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-home-care.html
A: I personally have not seen data to support this and refer you to CDC.gov guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html#investigational-therapeutics
A: CDC recommends this when possible https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html#investigational-therapeutics
A: I believe I saw a repeat case in China from one of the published studies on CDC.gov.
A: I believe this testing is pending FDA approval at this time
A: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html#investigational-therapeutics
A: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html#investigational-therapeutics
A: CDC is saying we don’t know if pregnant women are more susceptible to the coronovirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fpregnancy-faq.html
A: Information is more specific to symptom changes, the CDC has some more information on this here; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-hospitalized-patients.html
A: CDC indicates the virus may live for hours to possibly days depending on the surface. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
A: Repeat, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
A: I don’t know if this is known however here is a good link you may find useful; Healthcare FAQ’s: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html
A: Approximately 20-30% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and pneumonia have required intensive care for respiratory support.[2–3] Compared to patients not admitted to an intensive care unit, critically ill patients were older (median age 66 years versus 51 years), and were more likely to have underlying co-morbid conditions (72% versus 37%). [3] Among critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit, 11–64% received high-flow oxygen therapy and 47-71% received mechanical ventilation; some hospitalized patients have required advanced organ support with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (4–42%).[3–4,9] A small proportion have also been supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO, 3–12%).[3–4,9] Other reported complications include cardiac injury, arrhythmia, septic shock, liver dysfunction, acute kidney injury, and multi-organ failure. Post-mortem biopsies in one patient who died of ARDS reported pulmonary findings of diffuse alveolar damage. [14];
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
A: Resolution of fever, without use of antipyretic medication
Improvement in illness signs and symptoms
Negative results of an FDA Emergency Use Authorized molecular assay for COVID-19 from at least two consecutive sets of paired nasopharyngeal and throat swabs specimens collected ≥24 hours apart* (total of four negative specimens—two nasopharyngeal and two throat). See Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) for specimen collection guidance.
A: The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html
A: Based on local and regional situational analysis of PPE supplies, facemasks are an acceptable alternative when the supply chain of respirators cannot meet the demand. During this time, available respirators should be prioritized for procedures that are likely to generate respiratory aerosols, which would pose the highest exposure risk to HCP.
A: We are unsure at this time. Please continue to visit the CDC.
A: We are unsure at this time. Please continue to visit the CDC.
A: Not fully understood at this time continue to follow the CDC.gov page
A: There is testing in development that can be quick test self nasal swab testing.
A: Perhaps a demonstration would provide better understanding.
A: This is from the CDC.gov
Capacity across the healthcare continuum: Use of N95 or higher-level respirators are recommended for HCP who have been medically cleared, trained, and fit-tested, in the context of a facility’s respiratory protection program
The majority of nursing homes and outpatient clinics, including hemodialysis facilities, do not have respiratory protection programs nor have they fit-tested HCP, hampering implementation of recommendations in the previous version of this guidance. This can lead to unnecessary transfer of patients with known or suspected COVID-19 to another facility (e.g., acute care hospital) for evaluation and care. In areas with community transmission, acute care facilities will be quickly overwhelmed by transfers of patients who have only mild illness and do not require hospitalization.
Many of the recommendations described in this guidance (e.g., triage procedures, source control) should already be part of an infection control program designed to prevent transmission of seasonal respiratory infections. As it will be challenging to distinguish COVID-19 from other respiratory infections, interventions will need to be applied broadly and not limited to patients with confirmed COVID-19.
This guidance is applicable to all U.S. healthcare settings. This guidance is not intended for non-healthcare settings (e.g., schools) OR for persons outside of healthcare settings. For recommendations regarding clinical management, air or ground medical transport, or laboratory settings, refer to the main CDC COVID-19 website.
A: There is not a simple answer to your question here is a link that can provide you more information. One of the recommendations is to speak with your organizations Occupational Health group for further guidance.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html
A: This is from the CDC.gov –
Capacity across the healthcare continuum: Use of N95 or higher-level respirators are recommended for HCP who have been medically cleared, trained, and fit-tested, in the context of a facility’s respiratory protection program
The majority of nursing homes and outpatient clinics, including hemodialysis facilities, do not have respiratory protection programs nor have they fit-tested HCP, hampering implementation of recommendations in the previous version of this guidance. This can lead to unnecessary transfer of patients with known or suspected COVID-19 to another facility (e.g., acute care hospital) for evaluation and care. In areas with community transmission, acute care facilities will be quickly overwhelmed by transfers of patients who have only mild illness and do not require hospitalization.
Many of the recommendations described in this guidance (e.g., triage procedures, source control) should already be part of an infection control program designed to prevent transmission of seasonal respiratory infections. As it will be challenging to distinguish COVID-19 from other respiratory infections, interventions will need to be applied broadly and not limited to patients with confirmed COVID-19.
This guidance is applicable to all U.S. healthcare settings. This guidance is not intended for non-healthcare settings (e.g., schools) OR for persons outside of healthcare settings. For recommendations regarding clinical management, air or ground medical transport, or laboratory settings, refer to the main CDC COVID-19 website.
A: Not a simple answer however the CDC has home care guidelines you can access. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-home-care.html
A: Not a simple answer suggest speaking with your hospital’s Occupational Health group for further guidance.
A: I don’t believe the CDC is suggesting that we wear surgical masks while in the hospital as a precautionary measure. They do have clinical guidelines for PPE that you can find at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-control.html
A: Droplet is the accepted transmission occurrence. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-patients.html
Proning may be required if clinically indicated however I don’t know that this has been established as best practice.
A: As currently recommended, anyone with compromise is advised to self-isolate to avoid potential infection.
A: Not a simple answer, I will defer to the CDC guidelines for mgt. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
A: Might be best answered by the Occupational Health at your LTAC.
A: This is a common mitigation protocol used across the nation. Stay in the know with CDC
A: I defer to CDC however it is likely most of us will be exposed to this virus as we are to influenza etc. Most people will have non to mild symptoms unless you are in the high risk groups.
A: There is some information on the AARC web site that does not require membership however you would be best served by becoming one to access all the resources available from the AARC, CRCE’s, access to the AARConnect communities and much much more. (not a paid endorsement for the AARC just an RT that believes in what they offer).
A: We have recorded the webinar event for you available here: https://event.webinarjam.com/go/replay/1/oyl7rawtntqt0
A: We have recorded the webinar event for you! Replay video: https://event.webinarjam.com/go/replay/1/oyl7rawtntqt0
A: Suggest checking with AACVPR for recommendations.
A: Here is the CDC link for home care providers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-home-care.html
A: rtNOW has software available now that can be utilized by home care companies that can send a link via text or email to a patient in the home if they have a smart device or computer with camera. If you want more info email: connect@rtnow.net
A: Yes seeing this in many OP settings not just PR programs
A: Starting to see OP programs being postponed, telerespiratory follow in the home is a potential to stay in touch and help support them in their home environment. Not reimbursable (as of 2020-03-16) however clinically beneficial.
A: Can be useful for follow up especially for high tech respiratory equipment being able to visualize the equipment for troubleshooting is a plus.
A: rtNOW has used telerespiratory to assess patients RCAT’s, set up NIV, follow up on NIV adjustments to therapy, troubleshoot equipment alarms, just-in-time education for staff and patients as well as remote patient monitoring (RPM)
A: rtNOW’s experience has been that organizations see the benefits of not having to transfer patients out, decreasing re-admissions from SNF’s, maximizing resources and in case of COVID-19 putting the RT remotely where the pt is: home/isolation etc. It also can be used to support our argument for reimbursement with CMS. (CONNECT ACT)
A: Yes, it could! It could also be used for screening pt’s helping to identify the need for seeking testing or medical treatment in a facility.
A: Continue to follow real time updates from reliable sources, CDC, NIH
A: I am sure this will be addressed at the local level. My comment is that because an RT student can’t work independently it increased the PPE supplies being used when they are already in short supply
A: Shawna Strickland @Robyn Mustachccio – CPGs take an awful lot of time to develop. Right now, we’re focused on making sure all literature is getting to members as quickly as possible. There will likely be CPGs at some point, probably a joint effort from multiple organizations.
A: Likely not different that any other viral infection that can cause bronchial irritability/spasm.
A: Not seeing this in the literature.
A: Appears hypoxia respiratory failure and these patients are requiring high FiO2’s and PEEP.
Too great not to share. We recently did a webinar for a closed group of potential telerespiratory therapists. Check out this case study involving a newborn, bubble CPAP, some great nurses, and a lot of critical thinking! This is how it’s done!
By Chuck Stadler, Jr – President and CEO of rtNOW.
One of my nursing instructors/mentors (Mona White) told me years ago, “The gauge of a great nurse is not to know everything, rather to know what questions to ask and where to find the answer”. Nobody can be comfortable and knowledgeable with every aspect of nursing, and anyone who claims to be is crazy. Nurses have all been taught to lean on their clinical peers for guidance. A respiratory therapist has always been a pivotal member of the clinical team, offering specialized respiratory expertise.
Using Minnesota as an example state1, in urban areas 1 respiratory therapist has the potential to serve 2,647 patients. In small rural towns, the ratio is 1 respiratory therapist to 5,746 patients. On the far end of the spectrum, in isolated rural areas the gap widens to an enormous 1 therapist to 29,143 patients. During the 2018 – 2019 data collection period a projected 104 openings across the state with a supply of 81 graduates to fill these openings2.
This is one example of respiratory therapist shortages that continue nationwide. They are a problematic reality in today’s healthcare landscape, but current technology can also provide an answer.
Whether you have partial respiratory coverage or no coverage at all, telerespiratory care is emerging as a viable way to increase the number of medically complex patients your staff can successfully handle, while capturing PDPM dollars. Nurses can quickly connect with a respiratory therapist via phone and video chat, who can then consult on equipment, perform respiratory assessments, make recommendations for treatment plans (i.e. NIV, CPAP, trach care), and serve as a supportive bedside resource to nurses, providers, and patients/residents. Once telerespiratory is integrated into a culture, experience has shown that it can be key to avoiding transfers. For examples of this, look at these case studies from rtNOW.
And the good news is that it makes financial sense. For all the change that is happening there are 9 stackable NTA codes3 specific for patients with respiratory comorbidities (Chart 1). As you know, there are many other codes that would be also associated with some of these patients with multiple comorbidities. PDPM provides a unique opportunity for skilled nursing facilities to grow their respiratory resources via telerespiratory care while capturing PDPM dollars.
Chart 1 – Stackable NTA Codes for Respiratory Diseases and Procedures
If your organization is planning to take on the medically complex population, you will start to get pressure from all sides on how to care for them properly. It may be that your organization has been fortunate in finding and maintaining a respiratory therapist on day shifts, but what about the nights? Your evening/night shift clinical team probably has less experience and different staffing ratios than the day shift. Who are evening/night shift team supposed to use for guidance through the night? The administrator? DON, ADON? Will they wake up one of your day shift RT’s? Or will they continue to transfer the patient to the hospital? These are important questions, and thankfully we now have an answer.
I would like to propose that an easy solution is to give them a team of licensed RRT’s available with the touch of a button via telerespiratory. Pricing packages range between $4-5/hr depending on the amount of coverage desired. A small price to pay to add a knowledgeable team member at the immediate time and place your staff has a need.
References:
A couple of weeks ago we asked our rtNOW agents to give us some examples of calls they have had. It was exciting to hear agents come out with story after story of how rtNOW helped staff and patients at hospitals and in nursing homes. Particularly exciting to us were the transfers avoided, and how well our agents interacted with remote staff members as part of the team.
Here is a compilation video of some real-world case stories in which our telerespiratory therapists saved the day.
We clearly remember traveling to conferences in 2015 ready to sell rtNOW to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities as a telehealth solution for respiratory care. Little did we know at the time that we would spend years educating providers about what telehealth is, let alone how our solution solves many of the problems with respiratory care that rural organizations face.
Breaking new ground in healthcare is a strange and wonderful process. There is an excitement for the initial idea – a vision of how great healthcare could be if you can simply remove barriers. Then comes a pilot, where you work closely with a facility until you iron out the operational details, declaring to yourself and the world that it can be done. Then comes the first sales cycle including a definite period of time where you struggle simply to convey the concept to others.
And then there comes a point, years later, when you are recognized by the leaders in your field as the pioneers of a solution that will propel everyone forward.
This past week we were recognized by the AARC for our efforts in the creation of telerespiratory in the latest edition of the AARC Times.
This is a wonderful article, and it goes through quite a bit of our history and experiences from both the leadership and staff.
Since the interviews for the article occurred we secured our first client in another state – Missouri. And with it, we had more “firsts” to work through.
We have a culture here at rtNOW. It is a culture of innovation. It is a culture of making “it” happen.
When we meet for our executive meetings, each quarter we go over our core values. These values guide every aspect of who we are and what we hope to achieve. We set a vision for the future, and our values guide that process. I believe it is appropriate to reflect on these values today. Values such as:
We innovate simple solutions.
We decisively improve.
We are respiratory experts.
We are professionally approachable.
We make it happen.
We follow through.
We empower people.
However, as we begin to be recognized as the world’s leading authorities in the emerging field of telerespiratory, one seems to ring louder than the rest:
We are respiratory experts.
rtNOW was created by respiratory therapists. A group of experts who were, and are, the best in their field. And as such, rtNOW is more than just a business, it is a passion, and an extension. It is an extension of some of the best therapists in the world to deliver the best possible respiratory therapy to patients. And a passion to see the patient have the best care possible. And more than anything, out of a desire to empower respiratory care at every point along the way.
It is good to see that the passion we have is catching on and empowering people.