Authors: Barnes, Thomas A; Gale, David D; Kacmarek, Robert M; Kageler, Woody V

Source: Respiratory Care, Volume 55, Number 5, May 2010 , pp. 601-616(16)

Publisher: The Journal Respiratory Care Company

Abstract:

The American Association for Respiratory Care has established a task force to identify potential new roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists (RTs) in 2015 and beyond. The first task force conference confirmed that the healthcare system in the United States is on the verge of dramatic change, driven by the need to decrease costs and improve quality. Use of evidence-based protocols that follow a nationally accepted standard of practice, and application of biomedical innovation continue to be important competency areas for RTs. The goal of the second task force conference was to identify specific competencies needed to assure safe and effective execution of RT roles and responsibilities in the future. The education needed by the workforce to assume the new responsibilities emerging as the healthcare system changes starts with a close look at the competencies that will be needed by graduate RTs upon entry into practice. Future specialty practice areas for experienced RTs are identified without defining specific competencies. We present the findings of the task force on the competencies needed by graduate RTs upon entry into practice in 2015.

Keywords: respiratory care; respiratory therapist; manpower; education; training; competency; licensure; credentialing; accreditation; credentials; specialty; protocols

Document Type: Special article

Publication date: 2010-05-01

More about this publication?

• As of January 1, 2013, Respiratory Care content will no longer be hosted on ingentaconnect. Please contact the publisher at info@aarc.org for information on how to continue access to this title.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Podcasts
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Past OPEN FORUM Abstracts
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• By this author: Barnes, Thomas A ;  Gale, David D ;  Kacmarek, Robert M ;  Kageler, Woody V

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers