Abstract
Background:
An AARC/USRC member created/implemented a community education program since 1995. The key objective was lung health awareness among school-aged students. The program occurs in 1-3 hour blocks with an overview of lung anatomy/physiology, basic gas exchange, asthma pathophysiology, interactive exercises and bovine/porcine lung dissection. The program was awarded $5000 initially by Intermountain Healthcare for the Utah Society (RTs) to become community partners. Materials/supplies were purchased for approximately $1,500 including: inflatable, porcine lungs (normal/diseased), scalpels, gloves, sanitizing wipes, posters/ teaching aids, storage bins, colored t-shirts, rope and batting, and purchasing porcine lungs from local butchers. Volunteers attend Super User Training sessions led by RT student representatives from BSRT offering universities working closely with the program's creator. Seven courses were completed between January-April 2018. One course was excluded for wrong testing. A total of 106 elementary, 7 middle and 165 high school students participated.
Methods:
Pre-/post-program, grade tailored exams were given.
Results:
Not all students attended all courses. Some may/may not have completed both exams, thus the break out of those taking pre-/post exams are reported. Full results are reported in Table 1.
Conclusions:
Through the Breathe-zy program, we have appreciated: 1) increased youth/adult awareness of the impact of tobacco on lung and overall health, 2) awareness of RT as a profession, 3) appreciation for RTs as community partners, and 4) improved RT student engagement in professional initiatives. RT students are mentored as leaders since they were responsible to schedule courses, coordinate volunteers, assist with data input, analysis and outcomes reporting. It is our impression that improving professional impact occurs when we create strong community partnerships. It is our impression this will be required if we are to reach the AARC's 2015 and Beyond initiatives. When Utah legislators failed to pass e-cigarette legislation in 2014, youth education about the harm of all lung inhalants became vital. Since 2014, we report that active lobbying has resulted in Utah's e-tobacco legislation resolution passing, being signed into law and enforcement in 2018 being scheduled. When RTs unite with clearly defined objectives to offer high quality care and services, we can make impactful changes.
*28 pre- and 20 post-exams by middle school students excluded from data as they were given the high school exam. * Special thanks to Intermountain Healthcare, Inc, SelectHealth, and the Super Users comprised of Utah Respiratory Therapy professionals and Weber State University student volunteers for support of these courses. View all access options for this article.Table One: 2018 Breathe-zy Program Pre- & Post-Assessment Exam Outcomes
School Type
Students ParticipatingPre/Post#
Total Exam Questions#
Total Students xNumber Possible Correct AnswersPre/Post#
Pre-program Exam Question Accuracy# (%)
Post-Program Exam Question Accuracy# (%)
Pre- vs Post-Exam Accuracy Improvement%
Elementary School
106/90
11
1166/990
693 (59)
817 (83)
24
Middle School
7/5
14
98/70
61 (62)
52 (74)
12
High School
165/156
17
2805/2652
1100 (39)
1885 (71)
32
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