STANDARD 8.

Evidence-Informed Practice

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) integrate an evidence-informed approach into all aspects of patient/client care.

Performance Requirements

RTs:

9

Utilize current evidence related to patient/client care.

9

Evaluate current evidence using critical thinking and professional judgment to determine the relevance to patient/client care.

9

Incorporate relevant evidence into decision-making related to patient/client care

9

Advocate for the integration of current evidence, knowledge, best practices, and clinical guidelines into their clinical practice.

9

Assess the impact of their clinical interventions on patient/client care and make adjustments accordingly.

9

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. (2021). A Commitment to Ethical Practice. Available at: https://ethics.crto.on.ca.
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: https://nartrb.ca/download/ncf-part-i-entry-to-practice-2016.
National Alliance of Respiratory Therapy Regulatory Bodies. (2024). National Competency Framework. Available at: https://nartrb.ca/national-competency-profileframework

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 who require care (and this can include their substitute decision maker).[2]

Related Standards

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S10. Patient/Client Assessment & Therapeutic Procedures

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S13. Professional Responsibilities

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