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Research ArticleOriginal Research

Prevalence of Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Andrew G Miller, Karsten J Roberts, Brian J Smith, Katlyn L Burr, Carl R Hinkson, Cheryl A Hoerr, Kyle J Rehder, Shawna L Strickland, Lexie Caraway, Jeffrey Haynes, Donna Tanner, Patrick A. Von Kannewurff and Cassidy Aguirre-Kuehl
Respiratory Care July 2021, respcare.09283; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.09283
Andrew G Miller
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
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Karsten J Roberts
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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Brian J Smith
University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA.
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Katlyn L Burr
Nemours, Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE.
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Carl R Hinkson
Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, WA.
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Cheryl A Hoerr
Phelps Health, Rolla, MO.
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Kyle J Rehder
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
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Shawna L Strickland
American Epilepsy Society, Chicago, IL.
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Lexie Caraway
Sarah Bush Lincoln, Mattoon, IL
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Jeffrey Haynes
St. Joseph Hospital, Nashua, NH
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Donna Tanner
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Patrick A. Von Kannewurff
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
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Cassidy Aguirre-Kuehl
Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Abstract

Background: Burnout is a major challenge in health care, but its prevalence has not been evaluated in practicing respiratory therapist (RTs). The purpose of this study was to identify RT burnout prevalence and factors associated with RT burnout.

Methods: An online survey was administered to 26 centers in the United States and between January and March 2021. Validated, quantitative, cross-sectional surveys were used to measure burnout and leadership domains. The survey was sent to department directors and distributed by the department directors to staff. Data analysis was descriptive and logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors, expressed as odds ratios (OR), for burnout.

Results: The survey was distributed to 3,010 RTs, and the response rate was 37%. Seventy-nine percent of respondents reported burnout, 10% with severe, 32% with moderate, and 37% with mild burnout. Univariate analysis revealed those with burnout worked more hours per week, worked more hours per week in the ICU, primarily cared for adult patients, primarily delivered care via RT protocols, reported inadequate RT staffing, reported being unable to complete assigned work, were more frequently exposed to COVID-19, had a lower leadership score, and fewer had a positive view of leadership. Logistic regression revealed burnout climate (OR 9.38, p<0.001), inadequate RT staffing (OR 2.08 to 3.19, p=0.004 to 0.05), being unable to complete all work (OR 2.14 to 5.57, p=0.003 to 0.20), and missing work for any reason were associated with increased risk of burnout (OR 1.96, p=0.007). Not providing patient care (OR 0.18, p=0.02) and a positive leadership score (0.55, p=0.02) were associated with decreased risk of burnout.

Conclusion: Burnout was common among RTs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Good leadership was protective against burnout while inadequate staffing, inability to complete work, and burnout climate were associated with burnout.

  • burnout
  • well-being
  • respiratory therapist
  • respiratory care practitioner
  • leadership
  • COVID-1

Footnotes

  • Corresponding authors: Andrew G Miller MSc RRT RRT-ACCS RRT-NPS FAARC Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, Email: Andrew.g.miller{at}duke.edu
  • Received May 11, 2021.
  • Accepted July 14, 2021.
  • Copyright © 2021 by Daedalus Enterprises
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Respiratory Care: 68 (10)
Respiratory Care
Vol. 68, Issue 10
1 Oct 2023
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Prevalence of Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Andrew G Miller, Karsten J Roberts, Brian J Smith, Katlyn L Burr, Carl R Hinkson, Cheryl A Hoerr, Kyle J Rehder, Shawna L Strickland, Lexie Caraway, Jeffrey Haynes, Donna Tanner, Patrick A. Von Kannewurff, Cassidy Aguirre-Kuehl
Respiratory Care Jul 2021, respcare.09283; DOI: 10.4187/respcare.09283

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Prevalence of Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Andrew G Miller, Karsten J Roberts, Brian J Smith, Katlyn L Burr, Carl R Hinkson, Cheryl A Hoerr, Kyle J Rehder, Shawna L Strickland, Lexie Caraway, Jeffrey Haynes, Donna Tanner, Patrick A. Von Kannewurff, Cassidy Aguirre-Kuehl
Respiratory Care Jul 2021, respcare.09283; DOI: 10.4187/respcare.09283
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  • respiratory therapist
  • respiratory care practitioner
  • leadership
  • COVID-1

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