Respiratory care education and clinical practice in mainland China

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Compared with 10 years ago when our last survey was completed, the number of respiratory therapists (RTs) has increased markedly in mainland China. In addition, the education systems for RTs and the working environment have also changed. We aimed to describe the current status of respiratory care in mainland China. METHODS: A nationwide survey was initiated from August 15, 2016, to September 2, 2016, through network platforms. RESULTS: We obtained responses from 196 RTs, of whom, 30.6% graduated from a bachelor’s degree program, 25.5% graduated from an associate’s degree program, and 43.9% were nurses who transitioned to be RTs through 6-month on-the-job training programs. Among the 3 groups, no significant differences existed in the basic job responsibility, such as mechanical ventilation and aerosol therapy; however, bachelor’s degree RT graduates participated more in bronchoscopy assistance (96% vs 78%, P =.002), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management (42% vs 25%, P =.02), and pulmonary ultrasound (40% vs 15%, P