Luján, ManelHeili Frades, SarahAbad Fernández, AraceliLópez Padilla, DanielSayas, JavierCebrià, Maria ÀngelsSánchez Zaballos, MartaAlonso, PatriciaPardo, AlbertoRamírez Prieto, María Teresaet al.2026-07-212026-07-212026-05-12Luján, M., Heili-Frades, S., Abad, A., López-Padilla, D., Sayas, J., Cebrià, M. A., Sánchez-Zaballos, M., Alonso, P., Pardo, A., Ussetti, P., Landete, P., & Ramírez, M. T. (2026). Separ position paper on infrastructure, technology, staffing, quality standards, and management of intermediate respiratory care units in spain. Archivos de Bronconeumología, S0300289626001948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arbres.2026.05.0070300-28961579-2129https://hdl.handle.net/11268/17299Intermediate Respiratory Care Units (IRCUs) play an increasingly important role in the management of patients with acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure who require more advanced monitoring and respiratory support than can be provided on conventional hospital wards but do not require admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Their development has been driven by the widespread adoption of noninvasive ventilation, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy, and continuous respiratory monitoring, and their strategic value was clearly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. IRCUs have emerged as a key component in the management of acute and chronic respiratory failure, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and more efficient use of critical care resources. This document highlights the importance of standardized admission criteria, structured care processes, multidisciplinary coordination, and continuous performance evaluation using validated indicators to supportthe consolidation ofIRCUs as high-value, sustainable components of modern respiratory care systems.engMedicina, Salud y DeportesVentilación no invasivaCuidados críticosjournal article10.1016/j.arbres.2026.05.007embargoed accessCiencias médicasMedicina clínicaPolítica de la saludGoal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all agesGoal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovationGoal 4: Quality education