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Still unknown to the general public, respiratory therapists represent a fundamental part of the Quebec health system. A young and dynamic profession, with multiple facets, which is set to develop and take an ever more important place in the coming years.
Their name has never been heard more than during the first hours of the pandemic. The “inhalos” — as they are sometimes called — went to the front, with other members of health care personnel, to fight against COVID-19 and bring a life-saving breath of oxygen to patients. Although essential, their role with people suffering from problems affecting the cardiorespiratory system nevertheless most often goes under the radar. We don’t know it, but respiratory therapists are almost everywhere, at the heart of the action, in the Quebec health system.
These clinicians are found mainly in hospitals, where their valuable expertise in ventilatory assistance is required, such as in care units (surgery and medicine) in the emergency room, intensive care, the operating room or the delivery room. In the same day, the team of respiratory therapists can take care of a premature baby, treat an asthmatic child, visit an elderly person suffering from pneumonia at home, or actively participate in the resuscitation of a patient who has suffered cardiac arrest. But the field of action of inhalos is far from being limited to clinical practice in hospitals.
Beyond the push-ups
Their area of expertise extends to teaching, prevention of cardiorespiratory diseases and clinical research. Laboratories studying sleep disorders also need their services, as do family medicine groups (GMF) or smoking cessation and respiratory rehabilitation clinics. “In the collective imagination, we often see ourselves with metered dose aerosols (pumps). But respiratory therapy is much broader than that,” testifies Karine Grondin, clinical coordinator in respiratory therapy at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS and president of the Professional Order of Respiratory Therapists of Quebec (OPIQ).
“Over the years, we have moved from a rather technical role to a clinical role which has become more analytical. We were led to develop skills in evaluation, communication and patient approach,” adds Ms. Grondin, who started in the profession at the end of the 1990s. It is not uncommon, for example, to see respiratory therapists participate in the development of diagnoses by intervening alongside a doctor to assess the cardiorespiratory state of a patient or the effectiveness of a treatment.
A succession to ensure
In fact, the practice of respiratory therapy proves to be as diverse as it is rewarding, which should not be neglected in the current context of shortage of health personnel. To continue its progress, the profession needs a new generation of inhalos ready to take over throughout Quebec. “It’s a very interesting profession for young people who have intellectual curiosity, who like to solve problems and work in a team while having a certain autonomy,” emphasizes Karine Grondin. Respiratory therapy allows you to work with doctors and other professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and nutritionists. »
In Quebec, a college diploma (DEC) in respiratory therapy techniques is required to be eligible for a practice permit from the OPIQ. Practical work in a simulation laboratory and internships in a clinical environment complete this three-year training. “What’s exciting is that we always continue to learn in a profession like ours,” adds Ms. Grondin. We must take into account advances in medical research, such as the arrival of new technologies in the field of health, which requires us to be alert. »
In the spirit of the times
Often perceived as a threat to certain professions, artificial intelligence appears to be a valuable ally in respiratory therapy. “We work with cutting-edge devices to carry out diagnostic tests and perform respiratory function tests as well as ventilatory assistance. But there is a lot of evaluation, analysis and a great sharing of expertise that a machine alone cannot do, explains Karine Grondin. Complementary AI professions, like ours, are the ones that will last the longest. » More than ever in tune with the challenges of our time, respiratory therapy represents a real way forward.
With climate change intensifying, industrial pollution continuing to grow and forest fires increasing, the quality of the air we breathe is inexorably deteriorating year after year. This observation is reinforced by the aging of the population – making people more vulnerable to cardiorespiratory conditions – and by the constant threat of new pandemics. In this context, the role of inhalos is proving increasingly crucial. And given the growing demand for cardiorespiratory care, this inspiring career should not lack challenges or demands in the near future.
About the Professional Order of Respiratory Therapists of Quebec
The mission of the Professional Order of Respiratory Therapists of Quebec is to protect the public by providing the Quebec population with safe, quality cardiorespiratory care. It brings together more than 4,500 respiratory therapists who work mainly in public health establishments in Quebec.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty in collaboration with the advertiser. The editorial team of Duty had no role in the production of this content.
To find out more about the Professional Order of Respiratory Therapists of Quebec
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