Terms of Reference
Accountability
The RTSO Research Interest Group is accountable to the RTSO Board of Directors. The Chair/Co-Chair sits on and reports to the RTSO Board of Directors. Unless the Chair/Co-Chair was appointed to the RTSO Board of Directors, according to the RTSO Bylaws, they will serve only in an advisory capacity i.e. have no voting privileges.
Membership
Members of the RTSO Research Interest Group must be a “Practicing”, “Student” or “Associate” member of the RTSO.
The RTSO Research Interest Group should include members from several RT practice areas, at a minimum acute care, community care and diagnostics. Members may be from any of the following practice areas: educational institutions, patient education, business, rehabilitation, administration, operating room, research, other. Diverse geographical representation will be attempted. Past research experience is an asset but not required.
A maximum of 8 members will compose the group, including the Chair/Co-Chair and a student/recent RT program graduate. If there are more applications for vacant spots, the standing RTSO Research Interest Group will review and elect the person who will fill the position anticipating that other candidates may be eligible in the future as part of the group’s succession plan.
A maximum of 4 student volunteers may participate and assist with RIG activities and goals. These volunteers will consist of student members from different respiratory therapy programs across Ontario. These 4 student volunteers will also work closely with the Student Member to fulfill any student-directed
related activities and tasks.
One member will be designated a clinical scientist, appointed by the Board as a member of the RTSO Executive (Office of the Clinical Scientist), not functioning in the Research Interest Group’s Chair/Co-chair position.
A Chair/Co-Chair will lead the activity of the Research Interest Group. The Chair/Co-Chair will be elected from within the Research Interest Group. The Chair/Co-Chair will be responsible for:
- Draft the agenda and minutes for Research Interest Group meetings
- Develop and implement a succession plan to be endorsed by the Research Interest Group
- Facilitate the development of the annual Research Interest Group work plan aligned with the mission, goals and objectives of RTSO; and
- Present a summary of Research Interest Group activity to the membership at the Annual General Meeting, and to the RTSO Board or other committees of RTSO as required.
Orientation and Support
All new members will be provided with an orientation to the RTSO Research Committee.
Term
All new members will be provided with an orientation to the RTSO Research Interest Group.
Frequency of Meetings
The Research Interest Group aims to meet face-to-face once a year in conjunction with the annual RTSO conference. In addition, online meetings will be held monthly, or as required, to plan and coordinate mission-appropriate activities.
The Chair/Co-Chairs will attend the RTSO Board meetings as required.
Functions of the Committee
The overarching goal of the group is:
To advance respiratory therapy leadership relating to research, evaluation and quality improvement research initiatives.
The Research Interest Group proposes to achieve this goal by establishing a Framework that will support respiratory therapists interested in contributing to the achievement of this goal, which in turn will advance their personal professional development and contributions to the profession. The Framework will align with the RTSO’s strategic plan. The elements of the Framework, which are intended to be accessible through web-based access and interactive communication, include:
- Knowledge Dissemination & Translation
- Creating a community for those interested in research
- Administrative Activities
Approved by the RTSO Research Interest Group: January 2020
Revised by the RTSO Research Interest Group:
Approved by the RTSO Research Interest Group:
Endorsed by the RTSO Board of Directors:
Revised by the Research Interest Group:
Endorsed by the Board of Directors