The Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Practice Readiness and Orientation Processes of Newly Graduated Respiratory Therapists

Abstract

Background:

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has impacted the training of healthcare workers, including RTs. In-person laboratory and clinical experiences were restricted and even prohibited during 2020 and 2021. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the clinical practice readiness and orientation process for recently graduated RTs.

Methods:

Researchers created an electronic survey based on a review of related literature and messages posted by members of the AARC Education and Leadership and Management specialty sections to the professional networking platform AARConnect. Following IRB and AARC Board of Directors approval, a survey invitation and reminders were posted to the Education and Leadership and Management specialty sections on AARConnect. Participants were asked to evaluate the clinical practice readiness related to basic therapies, advanced therapies, and professional attributes of entry-level RT hires who graduated in 2020-2021 as compared to those who graduated prior to 2020. Participants provided information on changes made to orientation programs as a result of observed changes in clinical practice readiness.

Results:

Thirty-nine participants completed the survey. Overall, about 2/3 of participants indicated new graduate RTs in 2020 and 2021 were less prepared for clinical practice. Participants reported little to no difference with clinical practice readiness related to basic therapies, but 50%–70% reported that graduates required more support during orientation to be competent in advanced therapies, critical thinking, patient recommendations, time management, and self-confidence. Changes to orientation to address the decreased clinical practice readiness included increased precepting time, simulation experience, and didactic content.

Conclusions:

COVID-19 had a somewhat negative consequence on clinical practice readiness for new graduate RTs. Reduced hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences during RT education led to decreased clinical practice readiness. Recognizing the patient safety implications, RT departments had to employ several strategies to address the identified deficiencies during a period of stress on department resources. The results of this study suggest that hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences are essential to preparedness for employment as an RT, and that clinical practice readiness will return to pre-COVID-19 levels as these experiences are restored.