Our Services
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of morbidity in Canada and its incidence is on the rise. Data indicates that COPD accounts for some 13% of all hospitalizations in Canada, involving an average length of stay of 14.5 days.
Based on landmark studies demonstrating the benefits of oxygen therapy in lowering morbidity and mortality for those with severely impaired lung function, the Province of Ontario established a publicly-funded Home Oxygen Program in the early 1980s.
OHRSA is the industry voice for the providers of this service. Our members provide the following services:
- home oxygen therapy
- aerosol therapy
- continuous positive airway pressure therapy
- assistance to ventilator clients with lung disease or trauma
- monitoring of infants at risk for sudden infant death syndrome
A typical protocol involves the following:
- a physician refers a patient for an independent oxygenation assessment, involving arterial blood gas or oximetry testing
- the test results are sent to the physician
- the physician prescribes oxygen therapy based on the test results and the patient is referred to a respiratory service provider
- the oxygen therapy is administered
- test results and an application for funding are submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Assistive Devices Program, Home Oxygen Program
On November 16, 2005 the largest and most comprehensive study ever to examine Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Canada was released, painting a picture of a disease with startlingly high prevalence, low awareness and no provincial or national strategies in place to manage it. Ontario received a grade of B-, the highest of any province or territory. Some provinces receive failing grades, the majority 'D' or lower in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease National Report Card.
The study, spearheaded by The Lung Association and the Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A National Report Card is a call to action for better COPD awareness and management across the country.
The full report is available at: www.lung.ca/copd/docs/2005.copd_reportcard.pdf.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has a negative effect on sleep and general health. One in five adults suffer from a mild form of OSA. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is an effective treatment for OSA. Once a physician prescribes CPAP therapy, the patient is referred to a service provide for therapy, which involves a strong educational component. An application for funding assistance is submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Assistive Devices Program.
In carrying out our work, OHRSA members work cooperatively with professional organizations, general practitioners, respiratory specialists, respiratory therapists, and related health care professionals and their associations to ensure the most appropriate, responsive, and client-focused home care.
We also promote education, training, and research and development that assist our home respiratory clients in achieving an improved standard of living.
