Members of The Irish Association of Respiratory Scientists are employed in most acute general hospitals and many of the private hospitals in Ireland. We are responsible for delivering the highest standards in physiological measurements to our patients in both respiratory and sleep medicine.

Many different patients are sent for pulmonary function (respiratory) tests. Most of our patients are undergoing investigations for respiratory problems, but many patients are referred for different reasons. Specialists in cardiology, oncology, rheumatology, neurology, dermatology, endocrinology, haematology, and infectious disease often request pulmonary function tests. In addition to these specialist medical referrals, we provide services to surgical specialities including cardiothoracic surgery and heart transplantation, preoperative assessments, and general practitioner referrals.

It is the responsibility of the IARS to ensure our members are properly equipped to deliver accurate, efficient and patient friendly services to all of our patients.

To this end, the IARS offers opportunities for Continuing Professional Development to our members by delivering educational meetings and special advanced courses on a range of topics in respiratory measurement. Many of our members are also affiliated with other professional bodies such as the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) in the UK. Members are encouraged to undertake further studies and to achieve advanced qualifications.

The IARS works to deliver internationally accepted standards – such as those from the ATS (American Thoracic Society) and the ERS. The syllabus of the degree course in Physiological Measurement is constantly updated to reflect evolving and improving standards. The IARS works in conjunction with the Irish Thoracic Society (ITS) to ensure all standards are consistently monitored and delivered.

As in other medical specialities, research is an important part of respiratory medicine in Ireland. Members are involved in both in-house and international research studies in areas that will have long-term benefits to many patients, and we will continue to provide the necessary educational resources to our members to allow full participation in this important area.

The IARS is affiliated to the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement (IICMS) and will ensure our members will comply with any standards or requirements produced by the IICMS in the matter of State Registration.