Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology

About The ARTP

The ARTP, through standards of training and quality assurance, are the professional guardians of physiological measurement issues in respiratory medicine in the UK. With over 30 years of experience in the design and delivery of lung function services, ARTP provides the only national, professionally recognised, qualifications in Respiratory Function Testing and Spirometry in the UK.

ARTP also recommends standards for the design and delivery of lung function services through position papers from ARTP Working Groups on the structure, function and content of lung function facilities in the UK.

An important function of the ARTP is the provision of opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. The ARTP organises meetings and courses on many respiratory topics.

Nationally ARTP informs and influences major organisations about the delivery of lung function services. Furthermore, ARTP links with equivalent national organisations around the world to deliver global standards in respiratory healthcare involving respiratory technology and physiology.

The Association works in conjunction with the British Thoracic Society to produce national guidelines and standards for good practice in the performance of respiratory measurement. It works closely with the Department of Health in formulating policy and in the strategic direction of the profession.

The ARTP hosts the multi-disciplinary Sleep Apnoea Consortium and in ARTP has now launched a section for sleep practitioners.

Membership grew from 32 in 1978 to currently (2010) around 650. It is estimated that approx two thirds of practising respiratory physiologists in the UK are ARTP members.

The Association is a founder member of the Conference of Clinical Scientists Organisation, the Institute of Physiological Sciences and the Federation of Healthcare Scientists. There is also closely involved with Assembly 9 of the European Respiratory Society.
 

ARTP History

ARTP was founded in mid 1970’s and was a member of FAMT (Federation Association of Medical Technology). In the early years a regional structure was attempted but was replaced with a single national committee.

The Journal (originally called ‘Breath’ now 'Inspire') was first published in 1978. Conferences were held nationally twice a year until 1998 when a single large Annual Conference in the winter was established. The ARTP joined the Conference of Clinical Scientists in 1996 and remains a member of ACS.

The first National Assessment Part I Exam was in 1986. Links with the BTS started in the mid 1980’s and the joint examination board (ARTP/BTS) was approved 1992. The first Part II Practical Examinations were completed in 2004.
In recent years ARTP is increasingly involved at a national and international levels in clinical respiratory issues and promoting educational and quality standards.