Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/126200
spotlight You Can Breathe Easier Foundation funding for a new generation of respiratory technology is a great enhancement for patient care at Peace Arch Hospital. By Michelle Hopkins B reathing is so fundamental to life that most of us barely give it a passing thought. However, for people living with respiratory illness or disease, every breath can be a struggle. In fact, when a critically ill patient goes into respiratory failure, it can even require technological intervention in the form of a non-invasive ventilator called a BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) machine. "A BiPAP machine assists a patient's breathing efforts when they are in distress, allowing other treatment interventions to reverse the cause of their respiratory failure," says Dr. Mark Turner, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at UBC and medical director at Peace Arch Hospital's Respiratory Therapy Unit (RTU). "A patient wears a fitted mask connected with tubing to the BiPAP machine, which can also supply high concentrations of oxygen," says Turner. "We find that a patient treated with BiPAP is at risk for fewer complications compared to full mechanical ventilation, and also requires less bedside nursing in the intensive care unit, which is why the technology is so valuable." This new generation of non-invasive ventilation has become an integral part of managing both chronic and acute respiratory failure. Recently, Peace Arch Hospital was able to acquire an advanced and improved version of the BiPAP (the V60) thanks to generous funding from a long-time Foundation donor – Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward's Foundation. Life-saving technology The acquisition of the new BiPAP represents a significant step forward for Peace Arch Hospital's RTU. "The new BiPAP enables physicians and nurses to provide optimal care to our patients," says Turner, adding that the price tag per machine is $26,000. "Without the Foundation, we wouldn't be able to help as many patients." Merna Bee, respiratory therapist (RT) at Fraser Health Authority and 12 Respiratory therapist Merna Bee (left) says the BiPAP V60 is a valuable aid to easing breathing problems for patients like Georgina Arnold (right). team leader in Peace Arch Hospital's RTU, agrees that the new machine is a tremendous asset. "The problem with hospital equipment is that with the fast pace of change in medical technology, it becomes outdated very quickly. Thanks to the grant awarded to our hospital Foundation, we're able to purchase the newest in respiratory technology, like the BiPAP V60." Bee says that funding for the new BiPAP machine has come at a critical time: "We only have three BiPAPs, and in the past few months it was not unusual for us to be using all of them. We just hoped that no one else came in needing one." She adds that, depending on the seriousness of their condition, patients might spend one to two hours (or as many as 24 to 36 hours) at a time attached to a BiPAP machine. RTU Services Peace Arch Hospital's RTU is a vital health resource for its growing community. It's here that Turner and his staff, comprising one part-time and eight full-time respiratory therapists, are able to diagnose problems and then provide effective therapies to people living with both acute or chronic breathing disorders. As a respirologist, Turner evaluates and refers patients to the RTU for conditions such as asthma, COPD, bronchiolitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Once patients are referred to the Unit, the RTs provide support – testing lung function, discussing prescribed treatments and teaching patients how to maintain cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) function. "The role of respiratory therapists is twofold," says Bee, who has many years' experience in the field. "They work to provide diagnostic testing and also to implement treatment plans in clinical settings." RT's identify breathing issues through a variety of tests, including pulmonary function tests (breathing tests) to assess lung capacity and by monitoring oxygen levels in the blood during exertion (like walking). Bee says providing patients with relief from breathing issues may include respiratory support using life-saving equipment, or simpler approaches, such as administering oxygen or aerosol medication. There's no doubt respiratory services are in high demand at Peace Arch Hospital. On any given day, the RTU sees between 20 to 25 outpatients, in addition to 20 or more hospitalized patients. It's another affirmation that the recent investment in the purchase of a new BiPAP for the hospital was money well spent. ■ health + care spr ing /sum m er 2013 p12-13 Resp Thrpy-Lab Reno.indd 12 13-04-12 2:10 PM