Respiratory Therapists

In respiratory therapy, AI is starting to help with technical tasks but hasn’t taken over the human parts. For example, new software can analyze lung function tests (like spirometry) nearly as well as specialists ^[1]. Some ventilators now have “closed-loop” modes that automatically adjust airflow and oxygen levels, matching or improving on settings a person would pick ^{[1] [1]}.

Hospitals are also trying AI “scribes” to do paperwork: one study found that doctors using an AI note-taker spent significantly less time writing in electronic health records ^[1]. On the other hand, tasks like explaining treatments or comforting a scared patient still need a real person. Moving patients is mostly done by staff too (though a few hospitals are testing robot wheelchairs to assist) ^[2].

In short, AI and smart devices are starting to take over routine data and machine-adjustment tasks, but the personal, hands-on parts of care remain with humans.

Whether respiratory care adopts AI quickly depends on costs, benefits, and safety. On the plus side, therapists are in demand (up 12% growth is expected by 2034 ^[3]), so hospitals want ways to save time and money. Some AI tools have already proved helpful – for example, clinics using AI scribes cut charting work by a large amount ^[1].

But health care is heavily regulated and cautious. Experts note that using AI to manage life-support (like ventilators) is still very new and must be tested carefully ^[1]. New equipment is also expensive and staff need training.

Finally, patients usually prefer human caregivers for breathing help, so trust and ethics slow things down. Overall, hospitals will likely use AI where it clearly helps (such as speeding up paperwork) but move more slowly for tasks that involve patient safety and personal interaction ^{[1] [1]}.