Respiratory Therapists' Experiences and Attitudes Regarding Terminal Extubations and End-of-Life Care

Respiratory therapists (RTs) routinely care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and in some hospitals are responsible for terminal extubations. Data on how such experiences affect RTs are scarce. The objective of this work was to survey RTs at 2 academic medical centers about their experiences caring for patients with terminal extubations.

An online survey was distributed to the hospitals' RTs. Survey data included demographics and experiences with end-of-life care and terminal extubations. The survey was derived from previously published questionnaires plus input from hospital RT leaders.

Sixty-five of 173 RTs (37.6%) responded. Of these, 42.4% were ≥50 y old, and 62.7% were female. 20.3% had ≤5 y experience; 52.5% had ≥16 y. 93.8% self-reported being involved in at least one terminal extubation; of those, 36.1% reported performing ≥20. Nearly half (47.5%) wanted to be involved in family meetings discussing terminal extubations, but just 6.6% were frequently involved. Only 32.3% felt that they received adequate education regarding terminal illness in RT school; 32.3% reported gathering this knowledge while working. 60.0% wanted more formal education around terminal patient care. 27.9% reported sometimes being uncomfortable with performing a terminal extubation; most of these rarely felt that they had the option not to perform the extubation.

RTs are rarely involved in end-of-life discussions despite a desire to be, and they experience situations that generate discomfort. There is demand for more formal RT training around care for terminal patients. Clinical protocols that involve RTs in meetings before ventilator withdrawal should be considered.