Date of Award
4-2-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
School Name
College of Health Professions
Department
Health Professions
Major Advisor
Christy Kane, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC
Second Advisor
Barbara Jackson, PhD, RN
Third Advisor
Nancy York, PhD, RN, CNE
Fourth Advisor
Kelly Johnson, DNP, RN, CPPS
Abstract
Respiratory therapists (RTs) provide cardiopulmonary care and share the essential responsibility of keeping patients safe throughout their healthcare journey. RTs care for patients in various settings and manage mechanical ventilation (life-support), artificial airways, and attend emergencies such as cardiac arrests and other urgent clinical care matters (American Association for Respiratory Care [AARC], n.d.-b). As such, RTs may be exposed to opportunities in their day-to-day routines that influence patient safety. Currently, the literature is limited regarding RTs’ safety attitudes and the use of workarounds in respiratory care in the United States (U.S.). Both safety attitudes and the use of workarounds have demonstrated implications on patient safety and outcomes in other health professions. A phenomenological study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and two focus groups. Thematic analysis guided by Braun & Clarke (2006, 2021) was used to analyze interview and focus group data. This study resulted in two primary themes related to the RT role in patient safety: 1) Breathe in Challenge, Breathe out Adaptation with 3 associated sub-themes, and 2) Breathing in Unison: Leadership Dynamics in Patient Care with 2 associated sub-themes. The study findings provide a foundational understanding of the lived experiences of RTs in acute-care practice and suggests opportunities for future research to understand the potential RTs have to influence patient safety, specifically when using workarounds.
Recommended Citation
Wisdom, Lee, "Respiratory Therapists' Attitudes on Patient Safety and the Use of Workarounds: A Phenomenological Study" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones. 182.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/tdc/182