News Information

SCHNECK EARNS NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED QUALITY RESPIRATORY CARE RECOGNITION
February 27, 2012

Schneck Medical Center has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available in hospitals.

Only 15% of hospitals nationwide have received this award. Schneck has been awarded this distinction since its inception in 2003.

The QRCR program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) to help consumers identify those facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. Hospitals earning the QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services.

To qualify for the recognition, Schneck Medical Center met the following conditions:
• All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services are
either legally recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold the CRT or RRT credential.
• Respiratory therapists are available 24 hours.
• Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory procedures and the amount of supervision required for personnel to carry out specific procedures must be designated in writing.
• Hospital Policy prohibits the routine delivery of medicated aerosol treatments utilizing small volume nebulizers, metered dose inhalers, or intermittent positive pressure treatments to multiple patients simultaneously. Circumstances under which this practice is permitted is defined by policy.
• Use a process that periodically compares performance of the respiratory therapy department on efficiency and quality metrics with similar hospitals for the purpose of identifying and achieving best practice.
• A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services.

“Respiratory therapists are one of the healthcare providers that must also meet continuing education requirements every two years in order to maintain licensure in Indiana. This, also, adds to the quality of care RTs provide,” stated Susan Wynn, Director of Respiratory and Sleep Services.

“The AARC’s QRCR program grew out of growing concerns among healthcare leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of healthcare services provided to patients,” stated Tammy Dye, Vice President of Clinical Services at Schneck. Hospitals that meet the QRCR requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines, and should be commended for their commitment to quality care.

Respiratory therapists are specially trained healthcare professional who work under physician’s orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, and other lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants and are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.