When a major disaster such as the Haiti earthquake strikes, it reminds us of the vulnerability of people who are dependent on long-term oxygen and ventilators at home. Yet the conversation between respiratory care clinicians and patients about emergency planning needs to continue long after the headlines fade.

It may seem like a daunting task to increase your patients' preparedness, especially when their complex care plans appear overwhelming on a daily basis. The key is to make discussions frequent, short, realistic, and specific to your patients.