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Respiratory Therapist Endotracheal Intubation Practices
Andrew G Miller1, Michael A Gentile2, Joseph P Coyle3
1Department of Respiratory Care Services, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. andrew.g.miller@duke.edu.
Respiratory Care
|March 12, 2020
Summary
Respiratory therapists (RTs) in North Carolina frequently perform endotracheal intubation across various patient populations and settings. Most RTs express confidence in their training and program effectiveness, though standardization is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Therapy
- Critical Care Medicine
- Airway Management
Background:
- Endotracheal intubation is a core procedure for respiratory therapists (RTs).
- Understanding current RT intubation practices is crucial for quality improvement and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate contemporary endotracheal intubation practices among respiratory therapists in North Carolina.
- To assess RTs' training, skill maintenance, and attitudes regarding intubation.
Main Methods:
- A survey instrument was developed and distributed electronically to all licensed RTs in North Carolina.
- Data collected included respondent demographics, intubation scope, training requirements, and perceived program efficacy.
Main Results:
- 68% of 411 respondents perform intubations in 81 institutions, primarily in community hospitals.
- RTs intubate adult (91%), pediatric (61%), and neonatal (65%) patients, most commonly in ICUs and emergency departments.
- A median of 5 supervised intubations were reported as necessary for competence, with high confidence in program safety (93%) and effectiveness (91%).
Conclusions:
- Respiratory therapists in North Carolina are actively involved in endotracheal intubation with strong self-reported confidence in their programs.
- Further research is recommended to standardize training, document success rates, and explore advanced techniques like video laryngoscopy.
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