Position Statement on H1N1 Influenza (Swine Influenza)
CSRT Position Statement on Swine Flu Outbreak
The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) advocates for pandemic preparedness of respiratory therapists and other front-line health care providers as the outbreak of this new strain of swine flu continues to spread globally. This flu has now been declared a public health emergency.
Respiratory Therapists Role during an Influenza Pandemic
Respiratory therapists (RTs) who are the healthcare professionals on the front lines of any respiratory crisis. RTs provide medical attention to individuals suffering respiratory distress in a variety of healthcare settings. RTs educate the public and their patients on appropriate measures to be taken during an influenza pandemic.
RTs routinely provide instruction to healthcare workers on proper infection control practices, including the use of N95 infection control masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The N95 mask is individually fitted and highly efficient (95%) against airborne pathogens. These preventative practices are especially important to observe if there is a possibility that infected individuals may present themselves at Canadian Emergency Rooms.
Respiratory Therapists’ Duty of Care During an Influenza Pandemic
During an influenza pandemic, RTs are faced with conflicting responsibilities to work and their family. Respiratory therapists, and other front-line health care providers, face a disproportionate risk of exposure to the virus compared to the general population and may fear contracting influenza or transmitting it to their family members. Balancing the demands of work and ensuring patients receive optimal health care services with the need to protect their family, may prove extremely difficult for many respiratory therapists.
RTs are trained to think ahead and prepare for challenges in the practice environment, whether it is an influenza pandemic or other disaster. In assessing the personal risk of harm and responsibility for care of a patient, the RT must assess whether the patient is at significant risk of harm if the RT does not assist; whether the intervention or care is directly relevant to preventing harm; and whether the benefits to the patient outweighs any harm the RT might incur.
Respiratory therapists have the skills, knowledge and judgement to determine on a case-by-case basis their moral and professional duty to provide respiratory care.
CSRT and the World Health Organization
The CSRT supports the efforts of the World Health Organization as it advises on this public health emergency of international concern. Currently this flu has not been graded as a pandemic. The CSRT will continue to monitor WHO advisories as they become available.
About the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT)
Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists provides national leadership through advocacy, service and unity to respiratory therapists in Canada. Established in 1964, the CSRT is the national professional association that represents over 2500 respiratory therapists across Canada and promotes exemplary standards of practice, conduct and performance in the provision of respiratory care.
Contact:
Christiane Ménard
Executive Director / Directrice générale
Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists / Société canadienne des thérapeutes respiratoires
400 - 331 Cooper St., Ottawa, ON K2P 0G5
Tel.: (613) 731-3164 ext. 222
Approved by the CSRT Board of Directors on April, 2009.
|
PRINT