Lecture 5: Advancements in Future

Remote monitoring

RTs can track patients’ oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and ventilator settings from home using connected devices

Virtual consults

Patients with asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea can receive care and education through video visitis.

Home ventilation supports

Telehealth platforms allow RTs to troubleshoot and adjust settings on home ventilators in real time

Chronic Disease Management

Regular virtual check-ins help reduce hospital admissions for patients with chronic respiratory illnessess 

Expanded Access

Telehealth brings respiratory expertise to rural or underserved areas that lack in person RT services.

Predictive Analytics

AI can analyze trends in patient data (like vitals and ventilator settings) to predict respiratory failure before it happens

Ventilator managment 

smart algorithms adjust ventilator parameters in real time to optimize oxygenation and reduce lung injury

Clinical Decision Support

AI helps RTs and physicians interpert diagnostics (like chest x-rays or ABGs) more accurately and efficiently

Workflow automation

AI streamlines documentation, scheduling, and inventory tasks, freeing RTs to focus more on patient care.

Advanced Diagnostics

RTs are being integrated into expanded diagnostic roles, including interpretation of pft, sleep studies and integration of AI assisted tools for early detection of disease like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.

Chronic Disease managment

With innovation like telemonitoring, home spirometry and mobile health applications, RTs are now critical in managing long-term conditions outside the hospital.

Preventive and personalized care

Future roles will involve coaching patients in self-managment, delivering preventative education, and adapting care plans based on real-time data.

Technology integration

As AI and remote monitoring technologies become more widespread, RTs will be tasked with analyzing trends, triaging alerts, and intervening early, blending clinical judgment with digital tools. 

Smart inhalers

Devices with embedded sensors that track medication usage and adherence

Portable spirometers

Bluetooth connected devices that allow patients to perform lung function tests at home and send teh data to their provider’s electronic health record.

Wearable devices

Smartwatches and other wearables that can track metrics such as respiratory rate and blood oxygen levels in real-time. 

Secure telehealth platforms

Software and applications that enable confidential video conferencing and encrypted messaging between therapist and patients.

Data integration systems

Platforms that integrate data from RPM devices into a patient’s EHR, allowing provider to track trends and make informed decisions.

AI in ventilators

Some advanced ventilators use AI to automatically adjust settings based on real-time patient data

Predictive analytics

AI can analyze patient data to help identify early warning signs of exacerbation, allowing for timely intervention.