ACRTDC
ACRTDC
ARKANSAS CENTER FOR RESPIRATORY TECHNOLOGY DEPENDENT CHILDREN
MISSION STATEMENT
The Arkansas Center for Respiratory Technology Dependent Children (ACRTDC) is committed to providing specialized care to respiratory technology dependent children and enhancing quality of life through caregiver education, research and advocacy.
WHO ARE WE?
ACRTDC is a program in the Pulmonary section at Arkansas Children’s Hospital that manages the care of children who need different types of respiratory support at home such as ventilators, bi-level, CPAP, airway clearance devices and/or have a tracheostomy. The ACRTDC team includes:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Social worker
- Dietitian
- Child Life Specialist
- Psychologist
WHO DOES THE ACRTDC HELP?
Children in the ACRTDC program require respiratory support at home to maintain stability and have diagnoses such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- And many more!
HOW CAN ACRTDC HELP?
ACRTDC offers specialized care and services for our patients and families. A primary pulmonologist is assigned to each patient along with a team of knowledgeable and skilled professionals. The team will assist you and your primary care physician in obtaining medically necessary services and coordinating with other specialists.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect at Pulmonary Clinic?
- The first visit may be longer than follow-up appointments.
- X-rays, pulmonary function, lab work or other testing may be done
- You may see several different specialists in addition to the doctor such as the nurse, respiratory therapist, dietitian or social worker.
- Appointments every 3-6 months depending on your condition
How do I make an appointment?
Call the Appointment Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (501)364-4000
What are ventilators and airway clearance therapy? Does my child need these?
- A ventilator is a machine that helps with breathing.
- A ventilator might be used only at night or up to 24 hours a day depending on the condition.
- Airway clearance therapy is the use of devices or techniques to help loosen and remove mucus from the lungs.
- Your doctor will discuss with you if any of these devices are needed.
How can the Social Worker help me?
- To provide emotional support
- To assist with problem-solving with financial and transportation obstacles
- To provide information about community resources and mental health needs
- To coordinate services with community agencies
- To address psychosocial issues and mediate family situations and conflicting dynamics that promote patient safety
How can I be involved with ACRTDC?
- Sign up for ACRTDC email announcements at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Family Advisory Board
- Annual Resource Day for Caregivers Event (Click for flyer)
For more information on how to support ACRTDC, contact the Pulmonary Office at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Main number (501)364-1100
