TY - JOUR T1 - Survey of Respiratory Therapists' Attitudes and Concerns Regarding Terminal Extubation JF - Respiratory Care SP - 1046 LP - 1049 VL - 50 IS - 8 AU - David C Willms AU - Jodette A Brewer Y1 - 2005/08/01 UR - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/50/8/1046.abstract N2 - BACKGROUND: There is little published information on the role of respiratory therapists in the process of withdrawal of mechanical ventilatory support. METHODS: We surveyed practicing respiratory therapists at 6 acute-care hospitals in a large urban area and asked about particular concerns and attitudes regarding terminal extubation. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen questionnaires were analyzed. The majority of respiratory therapists had participated in terminal extubation, but most were not regular participants in the decision-making process leading to withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing respiratory therapists expressed a desire for a role in the decisionmaking process, education regarding terminal care, and more definitive orders for terminal extubation. ER -