Respiratory therapy services include assessment, testing, education, and treatment. Respiratory therapy protocols are guidelines, usually written in algorithmic form, for providing respiratory therapy services. Protocols are based on scientific evidence and include guidelines and options at decision points, along with clearly stated outcome objectives. Current medical literature supports the use of respiratory therapy protocols as an effective tool for producing improved patient outcomes and appropriate allocation of services. Based on their demonstrated efficacy, it is the position of the American Association for Respiratory Care that institution-approved protocols should be used by respiratory therapists as the standard of care for providing respiratory therapy services under qualified medical direction.
Selcted References
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Kollef MH, Shapiro SD, Clinkscale D, Cracchiolo L, Clayton D, Wilner R, Hossin L. The effect of respiratory therapist-initiated treatment protocols on patient outcomes and resource utilization. Chest 2000; 117(2): 467-475.
Stoller JK, Mascha EJ, Kester L, Haney D. Randomized controlled trial of physician-directed versus Respiratory Therapy Consult Service-directed respiratory care to adult non-ICU inpatients. Am J Respir Care Med 1998; 158(4): 1068-1075
Kollef MH, Shapiro SD, Silver P, St John RE, Prince D, Sauer S, Athens TS, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of protocol-directed versus physician-directed weaning from mechanical ventilation. Crit Care Med 1997; 25(4): 567-574.
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Effective 5/16/01