Evaluating the changing role of respiratory therapy services at two hospitals.

An analysis of respiratory therapy services at two general hospitals showed a notable change from 1971 to 1979. There was a large decrease in intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB) treatments at both hospitals. These were partially replaced with general chest physiotherapy maneuvers at one hospital and with incentive spirometry at another. Both hospitals demonstrated a substantial increase in time spent in management of mechanical ventilators. Staffs had increased along with time spent per patient. The reduction in IPPB was not associated with lower costs of respiratory therapy service at either hospital but, rather, a shift in the types of service performed. These changes must be considered in determining cost-effectiveness of respiratory therapy services.