An Analysis of the Scholarly Activities of Respiratory Care Faculty in Southern Academic Health Centers

Abstract

Little is known about the scholarly production of faculty members who teach in respiratory care programs. METHOD: We studied the scholarly activities of respiratory care faculty members in southern academic health centers via a mailed survey. RESULTS: An analysis of the responses (n = 33, 86.8%) revealed: (1) The respondents' principal scholarly activity was the reporting of research findings in refereed journals, with a productivity index (number of articles/years on faculty) of 0.25, or one published article for every 4 years of employment in higher education, which was significantly less than that of other allied health faculty (productivity index 0.69, P < 0.05). (2) Less than a majority of respondents had presented a paper at a professional meeting during the 3 years preceding the survey. (3) Only a small percentage of respondents had been involved in research. (4) Promotion opportunities and academic preparation are the primary factors that encourage scholarly pursuits, and heavy teaching responsibility is the primary discouraging factor. (5) Scholarly activity is perceived as an important consideration in academic promotion decisions. CONCLUSION: Respiratory care program faculty and administration should take steps to increase the scholarly production of faculty members.