Survey of respiratory therapists' attitudes and concerns regarding terminal extubation.

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 decision-making process, education regarding terminal care, and more definitive orders for terminal extubation.