The field of respiratory therapy is in constant evolution, adapting to the increasingly complex needs of patients. Historically rooted in the management of compressed gases and positive pressure ventilation, respiratory therapy has broadened its scope to encompass sophisticated ventilation techniques, extracorporeal gas exchange, community health initiatives, and intricate pulmonary function assessments. This growth reflects the continuous advancements in medical knowledge and technology, empowering respiratory therapists to acquire deeper expertise and cater to evolving patient demands.
Today, respiratory therapists operate at a level of sophistication that was scarcely imaginable three decades ago, demonstrating the remarkable progress within this vital healthcare profession.
The Growing Complexity of Respiratory Care and Increasing Patient Needs
The modern healthcare landscape is characterized by a widening spectrum of patient needs, demanding a more nuanced understanding of healthcare delivery. Notably, the complexity of cardiopulmonary healthcare is escalating at a time when access to cardiopulmonary specialists is becoming increasingly limited. Recognizing this critical challenge, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is proactively addressing the growing demand for qualified professionals by advocating for the expansion of educational programs and ensuring robust continuing education opportunities for practicing respiratory therapists.
The current scope of practice for respiratory therapists is undeniably more crucial and sought after than ever. However, the diminishing number of physician specialists specializing in cardiopulmonary care for an aging population necessitates innovative solutions that extend beyond the current healthcare framework.
To effectively bridge this gap, the AARC champions the integration of the advanced practice respiratory therapist into the healthcare system. An advanced practice respiratory therapist is envisioned as a highly educated and extensively trained healthcare professional possessing a scope of practice that surpasses that of a registered respiratory therapist. This advanced role is designed to foster enhanced collaboration with physicians, particularly in responsibilities encompassing the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients grappling with cardiopulmonary diseases. These advanced practitioners are key to meeting the escalating demands of respiratory care.
Setting New Benchmarks through Advanced Practice Programs
The journey towards establishing the advanced practice respiratory therapist role began in 2016 with a significant milestone: the publication of the Standards for Accreditation of Advance Practice Programs in Respiratory Care by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). These standards are pivotal as they formally define the advanced practice respiratory therapist as a “credentialed, licensed respiratory care practitioner meticulously trained to deliver a scope of practice that exceeds the capabilities of a registered respiratory therapist.” Furthermore, CoARC specifies that aspiring advanced practice respiratory therapists are required to “… successfully complete a CoARC-accredited graduate level education and training program that equips them with the advanced, evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic clinical practice skills and disease management expertise” necessary for this elevated role.
Driven by the undeniable and universally recognized needs of patients, the AARC joined forces with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and CoARC in a collaborative effort to conduct a thorough systematic literature review exploring the compelling need for advanced practice cardiopulmonary providers. This comprehensive review was complemented by an in-depth assessment of physician perspectives on current and future workforce needs and a detailed articulation of the scope of practice expected of these advanced practitioners.
The AARC remains committed to its fundamental responsibility: ensuring that the needs of the patients served by respiratory therapists are consistently met with the highest standards of care. The development and promotion of the advanced practice respiratory therapist is a cornerstone of a broader, strategic approach designed to provide unwavering support to both patients and the respiratory therapy profession as a whole. Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner Programs are therefore essential in shaping the future of respiratory healthcare.
References
- Advanced Practice Standards. Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. https://coarc.com/accreditation/advanced-practice-standards/.
- Dall T, Chakrabarti R, Lacobucci W, Hansari A, West T. Update: The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2015 to 2030: Final Report. Washington, DC: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC); 2017.
- Standards for Accreditation of Advance Practice Programs in Respiratory Care. Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 2016. https://coarc.com/Accreditation/Advanced-Practice-Standards.aspx.
