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

1. Apply the principles of safe ventilation according to the goals of ventilation.
2. Optimize ventilation and patient-ventilator interactions using standardized protocols and techniques based on current evidence and physiology.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in using monitoring equipment and technology to evaluate patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
4. Evaluate patient-ventilator interactions and classify modes of ventilation based on the mode taxonomy.
5. Apply principles of oxygenation management to ensure patient safety and optimize ventilation settings to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).
6. Assess respiratory drive and effort using appropriate clinical tools, methods, interpret the results to modify ventilation support and manage patient discordance.
7. 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)

Advanced Level Overview

Goal

The Advanced Level of the SEVA program builds on the Fundamental Level’s core components, culminating in the Goal-Directed Ventilator Management Method. It provides a deeper understanding of ventilator function, advanced mode selection, and patient-ventilator interactions. Learners delve into the 10 maxims of ventilator mode taxonomy and detailed waveform interpretation, emphasizing the rationale behind ventilator use. This level includes SEVA-optivent, focusing on protocol-driven care for obstructive and restrictive lung diseases (e.g., ARDS). Hands-on applications, team-based simulations, and comprehensive strategies guide participants through managing ventilation from intubation to extubation, addressing key goals of safety, comfort, and liberation.

Participation in this level requires completion of SEVA-basic and SEVA-theory.

Intended audience

Caregivers in charge of implementing mechanical ventilation. This would be the minimum level expected for trainees in critical care medicine, advanced practice providers, and respiratory therapists in critical care units. The course focus is to establish knowledge and competency in 6 topics:

• Equation of motion for the respiratory system
• 10 Maxims supporting the ventilator mode taxonomy
• The Goal-Directed Ventilator Management Method
• Ventilator waveform interpretation
• Use of protocols for specific disease states

Learning Objectives

1. Apply the principles of safe ventilation according to the goals of ventilation.
2. Optimize ventilation and patient-ventilator interactions using standardized protocols and techniques based on current evidence and physiology.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in using monitoring equipment and technology to evaluate patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
4. Evaluate patient-ventilator interactions and classify modes of ventilation based on the mode taxonomy.
5. Apply principles of oxygenation management to ensure patient safety and optimize ventilation settings to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).
6. Assess respiratory drive and effort using appropriate clinical tools, methods, interpret the results to modify ventilation support and manage patient discordance.
7. 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), SEVA theory (online), SEVA-method (in-person), SEVA-optivent (in-person)

Master Level Overview

Goal

The Master Level of the SEVA program is designed for experienced caregivers and critical care leaders aiming to master advanced ventilator management and monitoring. This level focuses on implementing disease-specific protocols, advanced physiological concepts, and data-driven decision-making. Participants delve into advanced topics, including:

• In-depth understanding of ventilator mechanics and the equation of motion.
• Advanced use of the 10 maxims of ventilator mode taxonomy.
• Evidence-based selection of ventilation modes for clinical goals.
• Comprehensive ventilator waveform interpretation.
• Application of the Goal-Directed Ventilator Management Method.
• Protocols for managing restrictive (e.g., ARDS) and obstructive lung diseases.
• Monitoring and interpreting ventilatory and physiological data to inform clinical decisions.

This three-day course integrates SEVA-method, SEVA-optivent, and SEVA-monitor, emphasizing hands-on skill development, team-based simulations, and advanced strategies for managing ventilation across all phases, from intubation to liberation. Participants gain proficiency in interpreting esophageal balloon data, assessing pressure-volume loops, utilizing capnography for CO2 monitoring, and applying tools to optimize respiratory drive and muscle effort. The course ensures safety, comfort, and effective liberation from mechanical ventilation.

To complete the Master Level, participants must complete SEVA-basic, SEVA-theory (both online), SEVA-method, SEVA-optivent, and SEVA-monitor (all in-person). Certification is granted upon passing a final test, ensuring mastery of advanced ventilatory care principles and practices.

Intended audience

Experienced caregivers in charge of implementing mechanical ventilation. Students at this level learn about disease-specific protocol implementation, advanced physiologic concepts, and monitoring procedures. This level would be expected of mechanical ventilation champions, supervisors, or program directors. This is the required level for critical care physicians.
The course focus is to establish knowledge and competency in 6 topics:

• In depth knowledge of the equation of motion and ventilator function.
• Understand the 10 maxims of Ventilator mode taxonomy (classification system)
• Chose a mode of ventilation based on clinical goals
• Ventilator waveform interpretation
• Recognize patient-ventilator interactions
• Application of the Goal-Directed Ventilator Management Method
• Protocol and physiology-based ventilator care of patients with restrictive and obstructive lung disease.
• Monitoring and interpret ventilation and physiological monitoring data to inform clinical decisions.

Learning Objectives

1. Apply the principles of safe ventilation according to the goals of ventilation.
2. Optimize ventilation and patient-ventilator interactions using standardized protocols and techniques based on current evidence and physiology.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in using monitoring equipment and technology to evaluate patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
4. Evaluate patient-ventilator interactions and classify modes of ventilation based on the mode taxonomy.
5. Apply principles of oxygenation management to ensure patient safety and optimize ventilation settings to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).
6. Assess respiratory drive and effort using appropriate clinical tools, methods, interpret the results to modify ventilation support and manage patient discordance.
7. 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), SEVA theory (online), SEVA-method (in-person), SEVA-optivent (in-person) and SEVA-monitor (in person) and pass final test.