Is Our Educational System Adequately Preparing Respiratory Care Practitioners for Therapist-Driven Protocols?

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Pilbeam SP , Meredith RL , McCarthy K , Stoller JK . Proficiency in applying treatment algorithms: training at clinical sites using therapist-driven protocols is associated with better performance (abstract). Respir Care 1993;38(11):1219.

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American Association for Respiratory Care. Clinical practice guidelines: incentive spirometry, pulse oximetry, oxygen therapy in the acute care hospital, spirometry, and postural drainage therapy. Respir Care 1991;36(12):1398–1426.

American Association for Respiratory Care. Clinical practice guidelines: patient-ventilator system checks, humidification during mechanical ventilation, selection of aerosol delivery device to the lower airways, nasotracheal suctioning, bronchial provocation, exercise testing for evaluation of hypoxemia and/or desaturation, sampling for arterial blood gas analysis, and oxygen therapy in the home or extended care facility. Respir Care 1992;37(8):882–922.

American Association for Respiratory Care. Clinical practice guidelines: directed cough, in-vitro pH and blood gas analysis and hemoximetry, single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, and use of positive airway pressure adjuncts to bronchial hygiene therapy. Respir Care 1993;38(5):494–521.

American Association for Respiratory Care. Clinical practice guidelines: transport of the mechanically ventilated patient, fiberoptic bronchoscopy assisting, resuscitation in acute care hospitals, intermittent positive pressure breathing, and bland aerosol administration. Respir Care 1993;38(11):1169–1200.

American Association for Respiratory Care. Clinical practice guidelines: ventilator circuit changes, static lung volumes, deliv-ery of aerosols to the upper airway, neonatal assisted ventilation, application of CPAP to neonates via nasal prongs or NP tubes, and surfactant replacement therapy. Respir Care 1994;39(8) (in press).