Fundamental Level Overview

Goal

The Fundamental Level of the SEVA program provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to understand and manage basic principles of mechanical ventilation. Tailored for caregivers new to ventilator management, including medical students, residents, and respiratory therapists, this level focuses on six key areas: the equation of motion, ventilator mode taxonomy, clinical goal-based mode selection, basic waveform interpretation, patient-ventilator interactions, and the Goal-Directed Ventilator Management Method. With an emphasis on building competence and confidence, the Fundamental Level prepares learners to advance their expertise and optimize patient care.

Participation in this level requires completion of SEVA-basic. The SEVA-theory and SEVA-lab courses are also available to enhance learning but are not mandatory for completion.

Intended Audience

Any caregiver involved with mechanical ventilation. Learners who would benefit from this level are medical students, residents rotating in the ICU, advanced practice providers and nursing or respiratory therapists who work with mechanical ventilators. The course focus is to establish knowledge and competency in 6 topics:

The equation of motion
Ventilator mode taxonomy (classification system)
Choosing a mode of ventilation based on clinical goals
Basic ventilator waveform interpretation
Overview of patient-ventilator interactions
Application of the Goal-Directed Ventilator Management Method

Learning Objectives

Apply the principles of safe ventilation according to the goals of ventilation.
Optimize ventilation and patient-ventilator interactions using standardized protocols and techniques based on current evidence and physiology.
Demonstrate proficiency in using monitoring equipment and technology to evaluate patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Evaluate patient-ventilator interactions and classify modes of ventilation based on the mode taxonomy.
Apply principles of oxygenation management to ensure patient safety and optimize ventilation settings to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).
Assess respiratory drive and effort using appropriate clinical tools, methods, interpret the results to modify ventilation support and manage patient discordance.
Utilize standardized nomenclature and vocabulary to improve communication related to mechanical ventilation.

Pre-test: yes, passing not required to continue
Post-test: yes, passing score is 80%
Requisites: SEVA-basic (online) and SEVA-method (in-person)

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Agenda
8:00	Introduction Rationale, expectations
8:10	SESSION 1: Taxonomy Teams Video (12 mins) - Module 1 Overview Practice Use card and app and waveforms
9:05	BREAK
9:15	SESSION 2: Choose Best Mode Teams Video (15 mins)- Module 2 MV Goals
9:55	Hands on Practice SEVA mode challenge
10:40	BREAK
10:50	SESSION 3: Waveform Identification Teams Video (11 mins) - Module 3 Waveform Theory
11:30	Hands on Practice Recognizing the load challenge
12:20	BREAK LUNCH
13:20	SESSION 4: How to Interpret PVI Teams video 4 (10 mins)- Synchrony Theory Practice Teams Exercise - Module 4 Identify PVI
14:20	Practice Recognize PVI challenge
15:05	AFTERNOON BREAK
15:20	SESSION 5: Putting it all together Teams video 5 (7 mins) Putting it all together Practice Checklist application
16:20	Wrap up thank you, input, survey, exam