Quality Respiratory Care Recognition Award

Schuyler Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Services Department has once again received the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) award from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). This is a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services in hospitals. About 500 hospitals, or approximately 10% of hospitals in the United States, have received this award. Schuyler Hospital has received the award every year since it was first awarded in 2003.The QRCR program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care in 2003 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.Schuyler Hospital’s Cardio-Pulmonary Department offers a variety of outpatient tests to evaluate heart and lung performance, including electrocardiography (EKG), echocardiography, cardiac stress, holter monitoring, sleep lab, pulmonary function, and arterial blood gas (ABG).To qualify for the recognition, Schuyler Hospital provided documentation showing it meets 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;· A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services.The QRCR program grew out of growing concerns among health care leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of health care services provided to patients. Hospitals that meet the QRCR requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines, and are commended for their commitment to quality care. A list of QRCR hospitals is maintained at the association’s website for consumers, www.YourLungHealth.org.Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals 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, AIDS, and other lung or lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants, and are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.The AARC is a membership organization representing more than 39,000 health professionals involved in respiratory care nationwide.