October 2, 2024 – SPHM and Respiratory Considerations Among Patients of Size
Presented and recorded live October 2nd, 2024 from 2 PM – 3 PM Eastern
This webinar is free thanks to the sponsorship of:
Overview
This webinar explores the intricacies of Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) for patients with significant adiposity, examining it from a respiratory care standpoint. The webinar covers ventilator settings, intubation, positioning, and early mobility, all specifically adapted to meet the distinct requirements of patients with obesity. 2025 CMS updates as they relate to size-sensitive care is explained. Bring your questions and ideas!
Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the prevalence of patients with obesity in the ICU setting.
- Identify the steps to optimal safe patient positioning and care to maximize outcomes.
- Discuss the role of the respiratory professional in early mobility.
- Explore the new CMS updates associated with safe size-sensitive care.
Meet the Speaker(s)
Jimbo Varnum, MBA, RRT-NPS-ACCS, CSPHA
Jimbo Varnum is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Associate (CSPHA) who lives in Augusta, GA with his wife and six-year-old son. He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 2006 with a BS in Respiratory Therapy and in 2020 with Master’s in Business Administration from Brenau University. Through the years, he has practiced as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with certifications in Neonatal Pediatric Specialist and Adult Critical Care Specialist. He is currently Chief Clinical Officer at USME. He continues to serve on a number of boards supporting respiratory health worldwide.
Sarah Bramblette, MHLS
Sarah Bramblette is Board Chair of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group (LAG) and Co-chair of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Access to Care Committee. She utilized her knowledge and advocacy skills to help pass the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) and continues to lobby for the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA). As a patient living with lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity she shares her lived experience to spread awareness about her conditions while advocating for improved diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage for patients with higher weights and larger bodies.
Susan Gallagher, PhD, MA, RN, CBN, CSPHP
Susan Gallagher holds a PhD in Policy Ethics from the University of Southern California. Dr. Gallagher is certified in Bariatric Nursing and is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Professional. She is formerly a Bariatric Surgery Senior Risk Analyst for Stevens and Lee Lawyers and Consultant. Dr. Gallagher has served as Associate Editor for Workplace Health and Safety (AAOHN) since 2018. She is the 2023-2024 Immediate Past President for the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals and served as program director for the ASPHP National SPHM Educational Event from 2020 to 2024. Dr. Gallagher is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters. She is currently executive program director for the National Bariatric Solutions Conference, an interactive, immersive, and interdisciplinary conference held each year in the Fall.
