Quality indicators in respiratory therapy

Table 2 Some of the independent indicators related to the respiratory therapy department

Structural indicators	Process indicators	Outcome indicators
Average number of respiratory therapists in areas like ICU, emergency department, wards, etc.	Patient assessment	Morbidity and mortality related to care
Average number of routine and urgent respiratory visits in the wards	Application of specific oxygen therapy device	Ventilator-associated events
Knowledge regarding departmental clinical practice guidelines	Application of disease-specific ventilation, based on the patients	Ulcers related to artificial airways, non-invasive ventilation masks, etc.
Knowledge regarding airway management and mechanical ventilation	Performing/assisting intubation	Success and failure rates related to care: Successful weaning and extubation, accidental extubation, reintubation rates, etc.
Knowledge on the rights and responsibilities of patients and staff	Performing/assisting arterial line insertion	Equipment utilization indices
	Interpretation of blood gas reports	Equipment down time
		Documented patient feedback

ICU: Intensive care unit.