Communications Strategy

The Communications Strategy for the CRTO is developed, established and maintained through the work of the Patient Relations Committee with approval from Council. It is the goal of the Committee and Council to fulfill the communications initiatives outlined in the CRTO Strategic Plan while working through the Communications Strategy.

What we need to do and how we will do it:
Goals Tactics
Educate the Ontario public in the role of Respiratory Therapists — who they are, what they do and how they are regulated. To participate and generate media opportunities to communicate the RTs role in health care. Some examples are:
  • Writing stories for Hospital News that apply to the issues monthly themes.
  • Pitching story ideas to media positioning RTs as experts and advocates on prevention and coping with respiratory ailments.
Promote the profession to potential students as a part of the effort to ensure that an adequate number of qualified Respiratory Therapists are available to meet anticipated demand. Collaborate with and support educational program initiatives with regard to student recruitment through our participation in various career day forums.
Create a positive atmosphere in the relations between the CRTO and its members. Keep Members informed with ongoing updates through clear and consistent communications via the CRTO website, newsletters, bulletins and other communications. Build and maintain a relationship of trust with the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario (RTSO).Create and support innovative ways for two-way communications and Member involvement.

 Positioning

  • Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are health care specialists who help monitor, evaluate and treat individuals with respiratory and cardio-respiratory disorders.
  • RRTs are part of a team of health care professionals but are able to work independently and without direct supervision from other health care professionals.

Target Audience

  • CRTO Members and RT students wishing to become Members
  • Those considering a profession in the health care field
  • Media with a focus on health care issues
  • The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA)
  • The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
  • Home care and critical care providers and associations
  • People with ageing family members
  • People who have asthma or a family history of respiratory problems
  • Partners, Associations and organizations with an interest in respiratory health care
  • Community Care Access Centres – Ontario (CCAC).

Key Messages

  • Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are highly trained health care professionals who help you breathe when you are not able to on your own.
  • RRTs are licensed to care for people in all age groups ranging from newborns to the elderly.
  • As front line hospital workers, RRTs provide direct patient care for those suffering from respiratory and cardio-respiratory disorders.
  • The College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) oversees the practice of Respiratory Therapy in Ontario and regulates the profession in the public interest.
  • The College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario is one of 21 health regulatory colleges that regulate health professionals in Ontario.