[Respiratory therapy at a university hospital: evaluation of a job profile]

Respiratory therapists (RT) perform various tasks, including the care of patients, diagnostics, support for therapy and care, training and education as well as optimization of structures and processes. It is unclear to what extent the various activities are performed at German university hospitals and how trained employees evaluate the service.

Description of activities of RT at a university hospital and evaluation of microlearning of employees.

Data were collected in a prospective mixed method study over 6 months. Primary outcome was the number of RT activities. Secondary outcome was the evaluation of microlearning as evaluated by employees with regard to benefits for personal knowledge gain, practical application, and for benefits for patients on scales of 1-10 (1 = very bad, 10 = very good).

During the 6‑month study period, RT were called for a total of 1674 consultations and carried out 2274 activities; the three most common activities accounted for 45% (n = 1037) of all activities and included the following: 20.1% (n = 461) adjustment of non-invasive ventilation, 13.1% (n = 299) secretion management, and 12.2% (n = 277) protocolized weaning. In all, 111 RTs rated microlearning as very good 111 employees with a median of 9.8 (interquartile range 9-10). About 74% of the working time was spent in direct care and education on the wards.

The job profile of RTs is complex, is associated with responsibility, and is largely located in direct patient care. Bedside microlearning courses for RTs may be an innovative opportunity to expand the competencies of employees.