PROP Services in Detail

Here is a look at some of our main services and equipment [figures on this page are for 2006].

• Through our 24-hour On Call service , a PROP Respiratory Therapist (RT) is available around the clock to provide individualized information and advice (4666 total calls).
• We have  an equipment pool of ventilators, BiPaps and auxiliary equipment, as well as an inventory of supplies and parts (215 ventilators, 245 BiPaps).
• RTs visit clients in their homes throughout BC to provide individualized care  (1602 consultations, including 673 home visits and 515 phone consultations). Each client receives at least one visit per year; clients who require more assistance receive the hours they need. These visits include our in-home education sessions as needed or on an annual basis (see next bullet).
• We have an education program has been designed to provide workshops to clients, families and caregivers, including health care professionals who work with PROP clients, but do not have access to ventilator training in their area. Our RTs provide information and training on home respiratory equipment care, emergency preparedness, and other topics to allow clients to manage their own care without reliance on the health care system. Classroom and in-home education is offered in a client-centred, hands-on format. (15 classes/123 participants).
• Our Biomedical Engineers maintain and repair all respiratory equipment for clients, including mounting ventilators on wheelchairs. We ensure that equipment used by our clients is available, safe and operational (859 service calls, not including mounting units on chairs, cabling and trouble shooting).
• Our team works with acute care units to transition ventilator-dependent clients into the community. We tailor the discharge planning process to fit with the mix of services required by individual centres in the various health regions.
• We have developed a wide range of educational materials to assist and inform clients and plan more to meet identified needs:
  • PROP NEWS: a quarterly newsletter [to be replaced by new newsletter in 2008]
  • PROP NEWS: a quarterly newsletter [to be replaced by new newsletter in 2008]
  • Booklets: PROP User Guide–About PROP, Beginners Guide, Your Contacts and Emergency Planning; Safety Checklist,
  • Manuals: Discharge Planning Guide; Ventilator Options: A guide for people considering mechanical ventilation for their medical condition or disability
• Our team has developed a unique level of expertise in providing the complex supports needed by people living with ALS.
• We have developed strong and cooperative working relationships with health service providers in all health care regions of the province. This strengthens the net of safety and support for clients.