1181 Integrating Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapists (APRT) into Sleep Medicine Clinical Workflow

Abstract Introduction The Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT) is a clinician with advanced education and clinical expertise in cardiopulmonary disorders, capable of autonomous assessment, and management within their scope of practice. APRT’s scope of practice exceeds that of a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). The pathway to becoming an APRT includes obtaining a baccalaureate degree in respiratory care, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) RRT credential, one year of experience as an RRT, and completing a graduate APRT education program. The current Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited APRT graduate program requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. This project describes the integration of APRTs into Sleep Medicine practice to enhance access, efficiency and quality of care. Methods In this model, the APRT leads an intake clinic for assessment of patients with potential sleep-disordered breathing and orders diagnostic testing. The APRT then reviews results with patients, provides education on the diagnosis and prescribes treatment. APRT follows up with the patient within 90-days of initiation of PAP therapy, when compliance and efficiency is assessed and therapy is modified as clinically appropriate. APRT collaborates with the supervising physician during each of these steps. Results Integration of the APRT into the sleep medicine workflow improved clinic efficiency by reducing the wait time and improving treatment compliance. Data between October 2024 and September 2025 revealed a significant increase in the proportion of patients seen within 90 days of initiation of CPAP; a 91% follow up rate was achieved by the end of this period. An increase in PAP compliance from 22% to 36% was observed. Conclusion The 90- day follow up by the APRT allowed for early identification of PAP adherence issues, resulting in timely interventions and improved patient compliance. Collaboration between the APRT, Sleep physicians and Respiratory therapists in strengthens continuity of care. The incorporation of an APRT into sleep medicine demonstrates a promising model for improving access to care, patient outcomes and workflow efficiency. As APRTs continue to expand into specialty care, their role in Sleep Medicine may serve as a framework for interdisciplinary practice models that elevate respiratory care across clinical settings. Support (if any)