title: Assessment instruments in respiratory care.
abstract: The basis for using therapist-driven protocols effectively is an accurate assessment of the patient's respiratory status. Patients must be assessed to initiate indicated therapy and reassessed so that therapy can be modified or discontinued if no longer needed. This article addresses the role of respiratory therapists in patient assessment for the selection of appropriate and effective protocols. It also describes the use of a systematic and consistent process for patient assessment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Giles
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Malloy
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods