Demographics and Competencies of Respiratory Therapists Across India: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Respiratory therapy was introduced in India in 1995 based on the curriculum taught in the USA. Several leading universities realized the value of Respiratory therapists (RT) and started respiratory therapy programs at the certificate, baccalaureate (BS) as well as masters (MS) level locally. An association of members was also established to bring all RTs together, to introduce them to the employing healthcare fraternity and to have a common curriculum for all. Despite that, unfortunately, there is very little evidence that tells us about the education and services of RTs in India. Hence, this survey was done to gain an insight into the background and understand the competencies performed by RTs in India. Methods: 502 RTs who graduated with either a certificate, BS or an MS degree from across India were invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey. 410 RTs responded and 223 answered all questions. The survey was conducted using a paper-based, telephonic or the electronic (survey monkey) questionnaire. Participants were asked about their education, experience, current job, responsibilities and how frequently they utilized the competencies learned during training. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS Version 22. Approval was obtained from the institution’s ethics committee. Results: Out of the 223 respondents, 52% were females and 48% males. They had a mean age of 26.4 ± 5.4 years with clinical experience of 3.6 ± 4.2 years. 70% had a BS degree, 18% had an MS degree, 2% Ph.D. and 10% certificate, RT diploma or other educational backgrounds. 93% participants worked as RT or any job role that required RT knowledge while 7% either quit or changed careers. Although they may have multiple job roles, 75.7% work as a staff respiratory therapist in hospitals. RTs in India spend 51% of their time in adult intensive care unit (ICU), 7% in an emergency room, 7% pulmonary function testing, 5% pediatric ICU 5% neonatal ICU, 5% university, 5% clinic and 15% other areas. Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate that the majority of RTs in India have a BS degree and work predominantly in the Adult ICU. The results emphasize that the majority of RTs work in an acute environment. They also give an indication of the competencies that are used more frequently, than others. The responses show that RTs in India seldom plan and providing pulmonary rehabilitation and administer home-based care.

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Table 1: Percentage of Competencies performed per week