A survey of Canadian respiratory therapists working in the COVID-19 pandemic: The RRT perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) are heavily involved in the care of individuals infected with COVID-19. The experiences and challenges specific to the RRT profession during the pandemic have not been qualified and the aim of this study is to bridge that gap. Methods: With institutional ethics approval, a cross-sectional survey was created through the survey software Redcap and made available online from 29 May to 6 July 2020. Any RRT working in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic was eligible to participate. Responses to yes/no questions were calculated as frequencies and percentages, and free-text responses were summarized. Results: In total, 345 RRTs working in 11/13 of the provinces and territories, with varying years of experience completed the survey. The results reflected impacts of the pandemic that affected RRTs in a variety of ways at work, from being reassigned (30.7%) to caring for COVID-19 positive patients (57.4%) and intubated COVID-19 positive patients (50.7%). RRTs experienced communication issues around guidelines (66.7%) and some departments had run out of personal protective equipment (PPE; 19%). RRTs were personally impacted, including feeling overwhelmed by new and frequently changing guidelines (89.6%) and feeling concerned for themselves or their family members becoming infected because of their proximity to COVID-19 positive patients (89%). Discussion: RRTs reported being required to work more during the pandemic. The unpredictability and constantly changing schedules were sources of stress and anxiety. RRTs were faced with issues of overwhelming amounts of new information and had difficulty in disseminating it in a timely manner. Lack of guidance and lack of confidence in the current protocols added to the confusion, anxiety, and stress. RRTs were at the center of many high-risk moments for contracting the virus (intubation, extubation), and PPE shortages were a major challenge reported. RRTs working during the pandemic have been concerned for their own health and the health of their family members. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic adds another layer of stress for RRT professionals who are working in high-risk situations and feel anxious, overwhelmed, and concerned about their personal safety.