A Pre-Pandemic Evaluation of the State of Staffing and Future of the Respiratory Care Profession: Perceptions of Louisiana Respiratory Therapists

Abstract

Background:

Over the next decade, the demand for adequately trained respiratory therapists is expected to increase due to the growing prevalence of chronic lung disease. However, the current respiratory therapy (RT) workforce is aging, many therapists are leaving the profession, and accredited RT programs are experiencing decreased enrollment. This study assessed Louisiana (LA) respiratory therapists’ perceptions of staffing needs and the future of the RT profession with the aim of gathering information that may inform future policies to drive workforce development.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed using a convenience sample of LA AARC members. An adapted version of the Survey for the Assessment of Employment and Clinical Role for the Respiratory Care Profession in the New Health Care Environment was used. IRB approval was obtained through Louisiana State University Shreveport, and approval to administer the survey was obtained from the AARC Board of Directors. Emails were sent to all LA AARC members through AARConnect email with a survey link. Data analysis was conducted utilizing IBM SPSS version 26. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and an alpha level of 0.05 was used to indicate significance.

Results:

The response rate was 19%. Although 50% of respondents perceived understaffing, 77.6% indicated the importance to remain in the RT profession. A majority (93.1%) indicated agreeance on the importance of maintaining an active membership in the AARC. Respondents working in a hospital setting perceived understaffed work environments more often than other groups. Salary was most important to the employee (33.6%), followed equally by room for growth (14.7%) and scope of practice (14.7%). For the future of the profession, the ability to assess patients and develop care plans and the ability to receive reimbursement for services were indicated as most important factors. Most (69.8%) agreed that the entry-level minimum should be increased to the bachelor’s degree and 21.6% agreed the master’s degree in RT should be supported to increase scope of practice.

Conclusions:

This study indicated a perception of understaffed work environments in respiratory care, and respondents expressed a perceived importance of remaining in the RT profession. This study also indicated support for raising the entry-level standard in RT and a desire for higher education to achieve professional growth and advancement.