STANDARD 8.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Respiratory Therapists (RTs) integrate an evidence-informed approach into all aspects of patient/client care.
Performance Requirements
RTs:
Utilize current evidence related to patient/client care.
Evaluate current evidence using critical thinking and professional judgment to determine the relevance to patient/client care.
Incorporate relevant evidence into decision-making related to patient/client care
Advocate for the integration of current evidence, knowledge, best practices, and clinical guidelines into their clinical practice.
Assess the impact of their clinical interventions on patient/client care and make adjustments accordingly.
Must refrain from making a representation about a remedy, treatment, device or procedure for which there is no generally accepted scientific or empirical basis.
Patient / Client Expected Outcome
Patients/clients can expect that their care from RTs is informed by decision-making based on current information and research.
RELATED RESOURCES
- College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2010). A Commitment to Ethical Practice. Available at: http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/Ethics.pdf
- National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies. (2016). National Competency Framework for the Profession of Respiratory Therapy. Part 1. National Standards for Entry-to-Practice. Available at: http://www.csrt.com/2016-national-competency-framework/
GLOSSARY
Evidence-informed refers to “practice that is based on successful strategies that improve client outcomes and are derived from a combination of various sources of evidence, including client perspective, research, national guidelines, policies, consensus statements, expert opinion, and quality improvement data.”[1]
Patient/client refers to individuals and their families requiring care or services. This may also include his/her substitute decision-maker or guardian.[2]
FOOTNOTE
- College of Nurses of Ontario. (2014). Entry to Practice Competencies. Available at: http://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/reg/41042_entrypracrpn.pdf
- Adapted from College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario. (2010). A Commitment to Ethical Practice. Available at: http://www.crto.on.ca/pdf/Ethics.pdf