Home Care

39744The respiratory therapist is directly involved in the discharge planning and the transition to the home process for the patient. The process is carried out in the following steps.
1.The review of the medical record
2.A review of the discharge plan that will provide a detailed outline of the durable medical equipment needed in the home.
3.An assessment of the home to assure proper home environment relating to cleanliness and electrical capabilities.
4.Family training on equipment and procedures
5.Next day follow-up

Becoming a home respiratory therapist is very rewarding. However, it also comes with heartstrings attached. In many cases most infants do not survive; yet, some infants spend their entire lives on life support and repeated hospital admissions. In this area of patient care, a caregiver must be prepared to expect the unexpected each day. Most durable medical equipment companies (DME) who provide mechanical ventilation in the home, prefer that therapists have clinical experience as a requirement for employment. Having the ability to accurately assess patients in the home and provide adequate reporting to the physician is critical in the continuum of care and long-term survival of the infant.

Prompt

For this assignment, explain the five steps listed above of the duties a respiratory therapist has in the transitioning of a patient who requires mechanical ventilation from hospital discharge to the home.

You must submit the assignment in APA format including two cited references.