CRCE: 1 hours | Cost: $9 for AARC members, $18 for non-members
A Guide to Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Over the past several years, there have been some tremendous breakthroughs in the area of long-term oxygen therapy support. One of the most notable is that of the portable oxygen concentrator. Technology can be a boon or it can be a curse. Even though POC technology is still in its infancy, we are already seeing significant performance improvements in this category. Portable oxygen concentrator technology will not only liberate, it will also enable patients with chronic lung diseases to enjoy a higher quality of life by staying more active. Many of us feel that increased activity levels, with supplemental oxygen when needed, will go a long way toward minimizing expensive chronic pulmonary disease exacerbations.
Gaining all the information about your portable oxygen delivery devices (POCs) is essential for high quality management of chronic respiratory diseases with oxygen dependency. Obtaining “A Guide to Portable Oxygen Concentrators” is a good first step in acquiring the knowledge and information to assist your patients. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) commissioned a survey of all POC manufacturers along with a group of experts to prepare this guide, and it was written with the patient in mind.
“We’re proud of the report and the information this puts in the hands of consumers,” said George Gaebler, past AARC president. “The information on the performance and characteristics of each POC will be a valuable reference to clinicians as well.”
The Guide is now available for respiratory therapists who can earn continuing education credit by reading the document and taking a short test. This will help acquaint them with the information that consumers may inquire about when choosing their POC systems.
To obtain CRCE credit:
