The Future of Respiratory Therapy By entering the field of respiratory therapy, you enter an ever-growing field of opportunity. There are continuously emerging job opportunities in this field, while there is also an increase in the growth of technology and developments in the field such as medicines, techniques and other aspects. Respiratory therapy refers to both a subject area within clinical medicine and a distinct healthcare profession. Over the course of the 20th century, several fundamental transformations occurred in healthcare. Here are 10 possible predictions about what could happen in the future of respiratory care: (1) Less focus on increasing PaO2 as the primary goal in the management of patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. (2) Greater attention to the adequacy of tissue oxygenation in such patients, regardless of PPaO2, and the emergence of “permissive hypoxemia”, analogous to permissive hypercapnia, in their management. (3) Smarter monitors that display less information but process more of it, interacting directly with ventilators and other devices to modify therapeutic interventions. (4) Increased use and expertise in noninvasive ventilation, with a corresponding decrease in intubations and complications, in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. (5) Increased use of triage in the intensive care unit, including early determination of the appropriateness of maximum supportive intervention. (6) Greater use of protocols in the evaluation and management of patients, in all clinical contexts. (7) Increased awareness, expertise and resources for palliative care, with a more active and recognized role for respiratory therapists. (8) Accelerate progress in smoking cessation and prevention, as well as early detection and intervention in COPD, led by respiratory providers. (9) An increasing presence and impact of respiratory therapists as coordinators and caregivers in home care. (10) A continuing and growing role for the journal RESPIRATORY CARE in disseminating research findings, clinical practice guidelines, protocols and practical educational materials across all areas of the field. The future of respiratory therapist careers is also on the rise. Regardless of the level of education or credential you may choose, there will be many opportunities in this field of study. The profession has grown rapidly since... middle of paper ......entire workforce. There is a great future for respiratory therapy. The career opportunities are great. They are constantly growing, with great incentives for career people. Furthermore, research is growing. It is clear that there will be great growth and opportunities for research regarding respiratory therapy in the future. New drugs will be found, new treatments will be accessed, and new equipment will help support future problems and come to the aid of respiratory therapists. References Entrez PubMed - Analysis of contemporary and future respiratory therapy. Retrieved December 15, 2004, from http ://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govJob Outlook – American Respiratory Care Association. Retrieved December 15, 2004, from http://www.aarc.org/career/be_an_rt.asp Respiratory Therapy: School of Allied Medical Professions. Retrieved December 15, 2004, from http://amp.osu.edu/future/rtherapy.cfmRoadmap for Medical Research. Retrieved December 15, 2004, from http://Respiratory-care.advanceweb.com/common/editorialThe Future of Respiratory Care. Retrieved December 15, 2004, from http://www.rcjournal.com/contents/07.01/07.01.0705.asp