Practitioner Perceptions of Educational Needs and Effects of Respiratory Care Protocol implementation: A Citywide Survey

BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION: Respiratory care practitioners (RCPS) from 6 hospitals and all area pulmonary physicians formed a committee to implement respiratory care protocols in the 6 participating hospitals in Austin, Texas. Faculty members from a local baccalaureate respiratory care program were asked to assist with the assessment of educational needs and the development of an education program. METHODS & MATERIALS: A survey was conducted to determine from RCPs their knowledge and clinical experience levels and their perceptions of their educational needs and the possible effects of protocol implementation. Survey results were intended to guide the development of an orientation and retraining program that could be implemented in the 6 hospitals. RESULTS: On a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being no knowledge of protocols, the mean response was 2.75 (SD 0.785). On a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being no clinical experience, the mean response was 2.067 (SD 0.935). Of the respondents, 2.6% had no knowledge of protocols; however, 61.3% had little or no clinical experience. Of the responding RCPs, 45.3% were concerned that they would receive inadequate retraining prior to protocol implementation. The greatest educational needs were x-ray interpretation and pulmonary function test analysis skills. The survey identified groups within specific hospitals who felt utilization, productivity, and job security would be decreased by protocol implementation. CONCLUSION: Survey results can provide insight into practitioners’ perceptions and help guide the development of an education program.