Evaluating the changing role of respiratory therapy services at two hospitals
S. R. Braun, F. R. Smith, T. M. McCarthy and M. Minsloff
An analysis of respiratory therapy services at two general hospitals showed
a notable change from 1971 to 1979. There was a large decrease in
intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB) treatments at both
hospitals. These were partially replaced with general chest physiotherapy
maneuvers at one hospital and with incentive spirometry at another. Both
hospitals demonstrated a substantial increase in time spent in management
of mechanical ventilators. Staffs had increased along with time spent per
patient. The reduction in IPPB was not associated with lower costs of
respiratory therapy service at either hospital but, rather, a shift in the
types of service performed. These changes must be considered in determining
cost-effectiveness of respiratory therapy services.
