What constitutes the practice of respiratory care?

The practice of respiratory care encompasses a broad range of activities crucial for the management and treatment of cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes not only the delivery of respiratory therapies and medications but also diagnostic evaluations, the administration of life support systems, and ongoing patient management. By defining the practice in this way, it acknowledges the critical role respiratory care practitioners play in both assessing and addressing various respiratory issues and conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea.

While patient education, delivery of medications, and diagnostic evaluations are important aspects of respiratory care, they do not represent the full scope of the practice. Respiratory care as a profession is holistic, involving a comprehensive approach to patient care which includes treatment and management strategies aimed at improving the overall respiratory function of patients. Thus, accurately recognizing the breadth of the practice helps to clarify the responsibilities and competencies required of respiratory care practitioners.