At present, a variety of auxiliary tools tend to be used for respiratory monitoring, and respiratory‑related adverse events in various clinical scenarios are found. It is challenging for different clinicians to comprehensively analyze the values of multiple respiratory function test indicators and give a correct interpretation. Integrated pulmonary index (IPI) is a new respiratory monitoring tool for medical use. Based on a fuzzy logic mathematical model, it integrates and simplifies four parameters of the patient's respiratory status: end‑tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2), respiratory rate (RR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and pulse (PR) into a single parameter ranging from 1 (severe respiratory insufficiency) to 10 (optimal breathing state), reflecting the patient's continuous oxygenation and ventilation in real‑time. This review mainly describes the algorithm, clinical application of IPI monitoring [assessing the respiratory function of patients in programmed sedation period, post‑anesthesia care unit (PACU), postoperative care unit, and emergency department], and deficiencies of the IPI monitoring. IPI provides the patient's clear and simplified respiratory status to medical staff to make judgments and intervene in a short time. It has certain advantages in reducing respiratory‑related adverse events, but its other benefits and routine clinical applications still need further research.