RTSO CLINICAL SCIENTIST and RESEARCH & COMMITTEE UPDATES

The Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario (RTSO) Research Committee

Vision:
Respiratory therapists across Ontario provide leadership in related research, evaluation and quality improvement initiatives that improve health outcomes for children and adults exposed to respiratory risk factors and/or are affected by respiratory health conditions.

Mission:
To provide Respiratory Therapists with a framework, including mentorship, to advance the profession’s leadership in research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.

Preamble: Respiratory Therapy & Research
Introduction
Research, evaluation and quality improvement initiatives provide objective methods to measure the efficacy of the practice of respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapy is a specialized body of knowledge providing the foundation for targeted medical interventions intended to improve outcomes of care, particularly for children and adults affected by respiratory risks and conditions. Respiratory therapists are in a unique position to lead and otherwise contribute to research, evaluation and quality improvement initiatives that will produce evidence of the value and effect of respiratory interventions and factors that contribute to them.
How RTs Get Involved
There are a variety of ways to be involved in research, evaluation and/or quality improvement initiatives: principal investigator, co-investigator, collaborator, partner, knowledge-user, research coordinator, research associate, statistician, member of an Ethics Review or Quality Improvement Committee, or other member of a research, evaluation or quality improvement team. In any case, training and experience in addition to that required for respiratory therapy is beneficial. It is also important to affiliate with organizations (and members thereof) that have research, evaluation or quality improvement processes built in to their organization’s structure.

In Ontario, there are five universities (University of Western Ontario-London, McMaster University-Hamilton, University of Toronto-Toronto, Queen’s University-Kingston, and University of Ottawa-Ottawa) with Departments of Respiratory Medicine that have processes and resources in place to support research. These centers have a definitive respiratory research focus and often offer affiliations with community practitioners or settings. In addition, other colleges and universities, specialized hospitals, (e.g. Sick Kids), or practice settings (e.g. large community hospitals) or primary care practices (e.g. Sault St. Marie & District Group Health Centre) have varying degrees of resource, evaluation or quality improvement processes and resources available.

Pharmaceutical companies regularly run clinical trials which may be conducted in hospital, specialist or primary care settings. These studies may also provide opportunities for respiratory therapists to be involved in the research process.

Knowledge Translation
Knowledge Translation (KT) is one aspect of the RTSO research committee framework. Its overall purpose is to implement the knowledge gained from research into practice; closing the knowledge-to-practice gap (http://ktclearinghouse.ca/knowledgebase). We will be using the definition created by The Canadian Institutes of Health Research: “knowledge translation is a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.”

The RTSO Research Committee Proposed Framework
The overarching goal of the Committee is to advance respiratory therapy leadership relating to research, evaluation and quality improvement initiatives that improve health outcomes for children and adults exposed to respiratory risk factors and/or are affected by respiratory health conditions.

The Committee proposes to achieve this goal by establishing a Framework that will support respiratory therapists interested in contributing to the achievement of this goal, which in turn will advance their personal professional development and contributions to the profession. The elements of the Framework, which are intended to be accessible through web-based access (Lung Researcher’s Network http://lungresearchers.ca/ ) and interactive communication, include:

1. Training and Education. Information will be provided on educational and training programs (workshops, courses, programs); evidence-based clinical practice; policies and procedures e.g. research ethics (Tri-Council Policies); and funding opportunities including grants, fellowships and continuing education.
2. Grant Applications. Other professional organization partners provide funding opportunities for respiratory therapists to apply for grants to support qualitative or quantitative research. Information related to a variety of granting agencies will be posted to the website.
3. Knowledge Dissemination & Translation. Results of research, evaluation and quality improvement initiatives will be disseminated at the RTSO annual forum by podium presentations, workshops and poster sessions. Information about other relevant conferences and forums which may also be appropriate for sharing information will be posted on the website.
4. Peer Review. Respiratory therapists experienced in research, evaluation and/or quality improvement will review abstracts submissions made for the RTSO annual forum. They will also review the posters presented at the RTSO forum and choose a “Best Poster Award” and “Best Student Poster Award”.
5. Mentorship. Provided by Respiratory therapists experienced in research, evaluation and/or quality improvement. Volunteer mentors will be available through the RTSO website and viat the Lung Researcher’s Network.

How can you be involved with the RTSO Research Committee
You can become involved with the research committee in several ways.

• Becoming a member of the RTSO Research Committee. Members of the Research Committee will be experienced, inexperienced and interested respiratory therapists who will contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the effect of the Framework. All it takes is some enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and interest in taking part.
• Contributing to the website. You can help by providing content toward each element of the Framework. For instance, providing a list of programs and workshops aimed at training RTs in research. This may include searching programs across the province or providing information on courses local to your practice or geographical area.
• Becoming a mentor. Those RTs experienced in research, evaluation or quality improvement processes could volunteer to mentor other less experienced RTs interested in developing their skills.
• Becoming a peer reviewer. For those interested in reviewing abstracts and posters for the RTSO forum.
• Contribute to Roundtable Discussions. Lend expertise, advice and encouragement to others, find co-investigators and discuss studies both potential and ongoing.

Download a copy of the RTSO Research Committee Framework

RTSO RESEARCH COMMITTEE

Terms of Reference

The Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario (RTSO) is a non-profit organization of professionals devoted to the promotion of Respiratory Therapy in the province of Ontario.

The RTSO serves as the voice of the profession, and its purpose is to:

• Promote leadership and direction in the expansion of the role of the Respiratory Therapist in response to the changing health needs of the community.
• Encourage the professional growth of our members by supporting the development, promotion and provision of educational opportunities.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of high quality health care.
• Support and provide public education on respiratory health and disease.
• Support programs in research, patient care, education and management.
• Promote the profession of Respiratory Therapy.
• Represent the professional interests of Respiratory Therapists voicing concerns in a consistent, unified fashion.
• Development and maintenance of standards for practice of Respiratory Therapy.

The Mission of the RTSO is: to represent, advocate & advance the professional interests of Respiratory Therapists in the Province of Ontario.

The RTSO Research Committee

Vision

Respiratory therapists across Ontario will provide leadership in related research, evaluation and quality improvement research initiatives that will improve health outcomes.

Mission

To provide Ontario respiratory therapists with a framework to develop the profession’s role in research, evaluation, and quality improvement research so that Ontario RTs will be recognized as Canadian leaders in research studies and publications.

Preamble: Respiratory Therapy Research, Evaluation and Quality Improvement Research

Research, evaluation and quality improvement research initiatives provide objective methods to gauge the efficacy of the practice of respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapy is a specialized body of knowledge providing the foundation for targeted medical interventions intended to improve outcomes of care, particularly for children and adults affected by respiratory risks factors and/or conditions. Respiratory therapists are in a unique position to lead and otherwise contribute to research, evaluation and quality improvement research initiatives that will provide evidence of the value and effect of respiratory related interventions and factors that contribute to them.

Respiratory therapists can be involved in research, evaluation and/or quality improvement research initiatives as a principal investigator, co-investigator, collaborator, partner, knowledge-user, research coordinator, research associate, statistician, member of an Ethics Review or quality improvement Committee, or other member of a research, evaluation or quality improvement research team. In any case, training and experience in addition to that required for the practice of respiratory therapy is often required. It is also beneficial to affiliate with organizations (and members thereof that have research, evaluation or quality improvement research processes built in to their organization's structure).

In Ontario, there are five universities (University of Western Ontario-London, McMaster University-Hamilton, University of Toronto-Toronto, Queen's University-Kingston, and University of Ottawa-Ottawa) with Departments of Respiratory Medicine that have processes and resources in place to support research. These centers have a respiratory research focus and often offer affiliations with community practitioners or settings. In addition, other colleges and universities, specialized hospitals, (e.g. Sick Kids), or practice settings (e.g. large community hospitals) or primary care practices (e.g. Sault St. Marie & District Group Health Centre) have varying degrees of resource, evaluation or quality improvement research processes and resources available.

Pharmaceutical companies regularly run clinical trials which may be conducted in hospital, specialist or primary care settings. These studies may also provide opportunities for respiratory therapists to be involved in the research process.

Knowledge Translation (KT) is another dimension of the RTSO Research Committee framework. The overall purpose of KT is to integrate the knowledge gained from research into practice; closing the knowledge-to-practice gap (http://ktclearinghouse.ca/knowledgebase). The RTSO Research Committee will incorporate the definition created by The Canadian Institutes of Health Research into the framework:

Knowledge translation is a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.

Accountability

The RTSO Research Committee is accountable to the RTSO Board of Directors. The Chair/Co-Chair sits on and reports to the RTSO Board of Directors. Unless the Chair/Co-Chair was appointed to the RTSO Board of Directors, according to the RTSO Bylaws, they will serve only in an advisory capacity i.e. have no voting privileges.

Membership

Members of the RTSO Research Committee must be a “Practicing”, “Student” or “Associate” member of the RTSO.

The RTSO Research Committee should include members from several RT practice areas, at a minimum acute care, community care and diagnostics. At least one member from other practice areas should be represented if possible e.g. educational institutions, patient education, business, rehabilitation, administration, operating room, research, other. Geographical representation is also important. Past research experience is an asset but not required.

A maximum of 7 members will compose the committee including the Chair/Co-Chair. If there are more applications for vacant spots, the standing RTSO Research Committee will review and elect the person who will fill the position anticipating that other candidates may be eligible in the future as part of the Committee's succession plan.

The research committee also includes the Clinical Scientist a position appointed by the RTSO Board Executive and separate to the Chairs/Co-Chairs of the committee.

A Chair/Co-Chair will lead the activity of the Research Committee. The Chair/Co-Chair will be elected from within the Research Committee. The Chair/Co-Chair will be responsible to:

• Draft the agenda and minutes for Research Committee meetings
• Develop and implement a succession plan to be endorsed by the Committee
• Facilitate the development of the annual Research Committee work plan aligned with the mission, goals and objectives of RTSO; and
• Present a summary of Research Committee activity to the membership at the Annual General Meeting, and to the RTSO Board or other committees of RTSO as required. 

Orientation and Support:

All new members will be provided with an orientation to the RTSO Research Committee. 

Term

Members serve two-year terms with an option to renew.

Frequency of Meetings

The Committee meets face-to-face once a year in conjunction with the Annual Educational Forum. In addition teleconference meetings will be held monthly to review policies and procedures, plan and coordinate mission-appropriate activities.

The Chair/Co-Chairs will attend the RTSO Board meetings as scheduled.

Functions of the Committee

The overarching goal of the Committee is

To advance respiratory therapy leadership relating to research, evaluation and quality improvement research initiatives

The Committee proposes to achieve this goal by establishing a Framework that will support respiratory therapists interested in contributing to the achievement of this goal, which in turn will advance their personal professional development and contributions to the profession. The elements of the Framework, which are intended to be accessible through web-based access and interactive communication, include:

1)    Training and Education. Information will be provided on educational and training programs (workshops, courses, programs); evidence-based clinical practice; policies and procedures e.g. research ethics (Tri-Council Policies); and funding opportunities including grants, fellowships and continuing education.

2)    Fellowship and Grant Applications. Other professional organization partners provide funding opportunities for respiratory therapists to apply for grants to support qualitative or quantitative research. Information related to a variety of granting agencies will be posted to the website. 

3)    Knowledge Dissemination & Translation. Links to information about knowledge translation activities will be available through the website. Peer mentors may also be available. Results of research, evaluation and quality improvement research initiatives will be disseminated at the RTSO annual forum by podium presentations, workshops and poster sessions. Information about other relevant conferences and forums which may also be appropriate for sharing information will be posted on the website and/or shared through the newsletter.

4)    Peer Review. Respiratory therapists experienced in research, evaluation and/or quality improvement research will review abstracts submissions made for the RTSO Annual Educational Forum. They will also review the posters presented at the RTSO forum and choose a “Best Poster Award” and “Best Student Poster Award”.

5)    Mentorship. Provided by Respiratory therapists experienced in research, evaluation and/or quality improvement research. Volunteer mentors will be available through the RTSO website and via the Lung Researcher’s Network.

6)    Administrative Activities. The Research Committee will contribute to the RTSO’s annual work plan, aligning activities with the strategic direction and goals of the organization.

7)    Roundtable Discussions.  Providing access to information and expertise from other Ontario respiratory therapists via electronic means (e.g. chat room) such that any and all RTSO members can monitor or contribute to discussions.

Approved by the RTSO Research Committee: April , 2012

Endorsed by the RTSO Board of Directors

Download a copy of the RTSO Research Committee Terms of Reference

RTSO Research Project Partnership – Successful Funding Announcement
Understanding Long-Term Mechanical Ventilation in Canada: A Programmatic Approach

About the research project: The number of individuals that require prolonged and long term mechanical ventilation (PMV/LTMV) as a result of acute illness or progression of chronic disease continues to rise. Currently in the Canadian health care system there is insufficient capacity to deliver care to ventilator-assisted individuals in both the acute and chronic care sectors. As well, significant barriers exist to the negotiation of transition point in the health care system e.g., transitioning from acute to chronic care needs. This results in suboptimal care, decreased quality of life for individuals and their families, and inappropriate use of expensive and limited acute care resources. This project, developed through consultation with multiprofessional experts in mechanical ventilation, will enable and inform seamless integrated care, development of clinical best practices, identification of health information needs of patients and families and description of health care use and costs. We propose to explore these issues for individuals (a) at-risk for LTMV in the community, (b) requiring LTMV in the community, (c) requiring PMV/LTMV in an institution; and (d) transitioning from paediatric to adult care requirements. We will conduct our project in four stages. We will meet our study objectives through the conduct of expert surveys to define key transition points, the development of a national inventory of providers of services to individuals at risk, or requiring PMV/LTMV, national surveys, and interviews of patients and families. Through the conduct of this project we will establish a national network focused on improving care delivery for our target population thus promoting collaboration and partnerships across health sectors, professions, and jurisdictions, as well as sharing of best practices to improve health outcomes, patient safety, and quality of life for our target population across the continuum of care.