VEP Educational Symposium 2014

In February 2014, VEP proudly hosted its inaugural Educational Symposium in Kingston, Ontario, bringing together clinical educators and on-call service providers for a dynamic weekend of learning, collaboration, and celebration. The event marked VEP’s 20th anniversary and served as a milestone in advancing clinical excellence in home mechanical ventilation.

Over two days, participants engaged in a rich program that included the launch of the Philips Cough Assist device and the introduction of new technologies. The symposium attracted some of Ontario’s leading respiratory therapists, who deepened their expertise in non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and airway clearance techniques.

The agenda featured a diverse range of topics, including:

Manual assisted cough techniques

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation

Emergency preparedness for ventilator-assisted individuals (VAIs)

Innovations such as RESMED’s iVAPS and Respironics’ AVAPS A/E

Hands-on workshops and case study discussions provided practical experience and fostered peer-to-peer learning.

The symposium also welcomed researchers, sleep medicine clinicians, representatives from Kingston Health Sciences Centre, and staff from the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Their contributions enriched discussions around sleep medicine, the hospital-to-home care continuum, PHIPA compliance, and health policy.

VEP extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, organizers, and staff, as well as to ADP for their support. Special appreciation goes to our sponsors: Medigas, ResMed, Philips Respironics, and VitalAire, whose generosity helped make the event a success.