Will AI Replace Respiratory Therapists?

Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.

physical manipulation — Diagnostic instruments applied to patients by hand

Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.

interpersonal — Clinical handoff carries accountability and nuance

Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.

information retrieval — History extraction aided; patient interaction human

Relay blood analysis results to a physician.

information retrieval — Relaying results is structured; interpretation stays human

Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

physical manipulation — Hands-on emergency resuscitation and physical intervention

Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.

decision support — AI reviews records but physical verification and accountability human

Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.

interpersonal — Treatment planning collaboration is accountable clinical work

Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.

physical manipulation — Hands-on facility equipment repair

Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.

decision support — Protocols need clinical accountability and context

Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.

visual inspection — Hands-on examination of medical instruments

Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.

interpersonal — Results delivery needs empathy and clinical judgment

Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.

interpersonal — Caregiver technique training is live and relational

Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.

physical manipulation — Testing heart/lung function requires hands-on patient contact

Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.

interpersonal — Caregiver technique training is live and relational

Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.

physical manipulation — Testing heart/lung function requires hands-on patient contact

Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.

physical manipulation — ALS requires hands-on airway, drugs, defibrillation

Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.

physical manipulation — Testing heart/lung function requires hands-on patient contact

Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.

decision support — In-procedure patient monitoring is hands-on clinical work

Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.

physical manipulation — Moving patients requires hands-on body handling

Attend high-risk and caesarian section infant deliveries to provide neonatal respiratory care as needed.

decision support — In-procedure patient monitoring is hands-on clinical work