The role of respiratory care practitioners in a changing healthcare system: Emerging areas of clinical practice

Objective: To evaluate shifts in respiratory care practice in the context o f changing healthcare system and market dynamics. Study Design: Telephone survey, structured interview, and case studies. Methods: We conducted a telephone survey of 471 respiratory care practition ers (RCPs), drawn from the membership database of the American Association for Respiratory Care. We also interviewed 10 employers of RCPs and conducte d 2 in-depth case studies to supplement our survey results. We used several statistical techniques to analyze our data, including calculation of popul ation-weighted descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models. Results: Changes in the healthcare system have prompted RCPs to broaden the ir practice settings, skills, and responsibilities. Respiratory care practi tioners are taking part in managed care-related activities, such as cost co ntrol and disease management. We found that the need for certain skills and responsibilities varies by practice setting. In our interviews, employers considered RCPs cost effective providers for certain services. Conclusions: The practice of respiratory care is evolving to meet the chang ing needs of the healthcare system. A key challenge is to ensure appropriat e growth and development of the respiratory care profession, as well as the delivery of appropriate services under new care management settings and pr ocesses.