Recently I came across a post by the World Health Organization (WHO) about a free online training course for clinicians. Curious about the information provided, I created an account with WHO. Enrolling for the course was instantaneous and easy.
This course is made of three “modules” : 1. An overview of Infection Prevention and Control measures 2. An introduction to COVID-19 3. Review of precautions with COVID-19
There is no actual interactive module. Each section is linked to a PDF file (22, 9 and 63 pages). If you work for any large health organization or have had access to COVID-19 resources, you have already seen most of the information. This is not to take any points away. This is still a valuable resource as we continue to try to control the spread of this virus.
To access this course visit: https://openwho.org/courses/COVID-19-IPC-EN
There are various ways that you can get involved with your respiratory therapy organizations in Canada. Some take a minute to do, some five minutes, and some requiring a few hours a week on an ongoing basis. You can make a difference, and you should not take that lightly or for granted.
Fast and Easy Involvement
Takes a minute to find your respiratory therapy organizations on social media platforms. Follow them. It helps you stay up to date, and by sharing the relevant and important posts, you help with spreading the word, advocating and promoting the profession.
Takes a Few Minutes but You Will Help Shape Things On a Larger Scale
Our national organization, Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, is filling a few spots on the board of directors. Put aside 5 minutes to read the biographies and letters of intent. The voting process takes just a minute. Have your say, and help shape the future of our profession on the national level. Go to www.CSRT.com and vote! The deadline is tomorrow!
Have Some Time To Volunteer On An Ongoing Basis?
Have a desire to help and support your provincial organization? RTSO is recruiting for various position and roles. Visit www.RTSO.ca for more details. I have been volunteering with RTSO for more than 2 years, and have assisted with various projects. I have learned from many amazing volunteers over this time.
Together, We Are Stronger!
We can make a difference. Renew your national and provincial RT memberships!
Every month I try to read an open access article. After reading the article, I share the tittle and associated link with my followers. This is to encourage clinicians to reads articles, stay up to date and continue to grow.
The article I read on Friday was:
Bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation for treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnoea by Peter R. Eastwood et al.
Eur Respir J 2020 55:1901320; published ahead of print 2019, doi:10.1183/13993003.01320-2019 OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/55/1/1901320?etoc
I am not here to endorse this technology or this approach to manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). I am learning about it and sharing it with you. It did open my eyes to another approach which apparently has been around for some time. I appreciated the innovations. Compliance with CPAP units, the current gold stands, is low. The authors do mention that, and I have personally witnessed it when I worked for a CPAP company (casually for around 2 years).
I don’t need to express my personal thoughts on this as the authors have done a great job of describing the technology (GEnio system), what’s make it unique, the limitation of the study, and also the opportunities it brings.
It is a small study, n=22, with few participants. There is no control group.
This approach did open up the discussion to devices that deliver bilateral stimulation of hypoglossal nerve, includes minimal incision, and lacks an implanted battery (p10).
A few days ago I was listening to CBC radio, as I was driving to work, when I heard about a recent study that has shown an association between household cleanings products and increased risk of developing childhood asthma. I totally forgot about it until today when I noticed Mr. Noel Pendergast RRT sharing a link to the content on his Facebook page. My reaction when I first heard about this was: “Of course!”. We never actually think about it, but it sure makes sense.
A Known Concept?
It’s interesting that I can recall a childhood memory when during a family gathering, Dr. Nehzhat shared his concerns about bleach as a routine household cleaning solution. Side note, he is a chemist and one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Back to the main point… “Please stop using bleach. Don’t breathe that in. Cannot imagine what that will do to your lungs”. Ongoing exposure to the fume, specially in a non vented area, could lead to respiratory changes for any individuals (regardless of the age).
Various Cleaning Chemicals
I worked as a lifeguard for few summers and even then I wondered how dealing with concentrated liquid chlorine may impact people’s breathing.
If I had to share my thoughts with my patients, I would recommend limiting exposure to harmful fumes and chemicals. Also, make sure that the area is well vented. I am not sure if I would be as comfort recommending masks as THE solution, as this false hope may lead to unnecessarily and higher and longer exposure periods. Side note- realistically, how many people are properly mask fitted and educated about the right mask for the right task?
Be Aware and …Clean
This is not to take away anything from proper hygiene, clean environment and limitation of irritants including known triggers.
Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on this?
Resoures
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/7/E164
For the full article please visit the following link:https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/7/E164
Why you should take the time to update your portfolio?
The new year has begun, and hopefully, you are excited about
it! Documenting your achievements,
awards and projects as you go along seems great but not always a convenient
step. Here is your chance to take a
step back and document them.
So why do this?
We get busy and forget to document our achievements
throughout the year. It will help you save time when it comes to updating your
resume, filling out your annual employment review, realizing your areas of
strength, and help with your goal setting and career planning.
Stepping back and looking at your achievements with a quick
glance can help you practice gratitude and build confidence.
It is also a good reminder for certification deadlines and
professional organization renewal dates.
Where you can document your progress
At the end or beginning of the year, set aside time to
update your portfolio. By portfolio, I
refer to whatever system you have in place to organize your resume,
professional documents, and continuing education files. Once you establish a system, updating it
should become much easier, more rewarding and less frustrating.
Personally, I use a cloud system that is free and easily
accessible from any electronic system that can connect to the internet. I personally use Google Documents because it works
for me.
I already have existing folders and documents which help me
track my continuing education activities.
Creating a new document or adding to the bottom of your year-end page,
you can update your accomplishments.
Questions to help you track your accomplishments
To simplify things here, think about these three areas: Projects, courses or certificates, and
skillsets.
What were some projects that you were part of (employment or
volunteering)?
Which courses or certificates have you completed or renewed?
What new skills you have learned or strengthened?
(Optional: Publications, Test Scores, Awards, Languages,
Patents and other relevant categories)
Start Now!
Access your existing paper portfolio or your secure and
accessible cloud/online folder. Answer
the three questions mentioned in the previous section.
Bonus: Think about your upcoming year personal or career
goals to see if your accomplishments support your goals. What are some activities that support you in
your path? The answer to these questions
can help you set goals for your upcoming year!
Tell me about your process?
What has helped you? Also, what
are some of your memorable accomplishments over the past 12 months? What are you looking forward to
accomplishing?
