Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Sally M. Willis

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore respiratory therapists’ (RTs') perceived roles and responsibilities in a COPD multidisciplinary care team, and how those roles and responsibilities were affected when RTs were monitored and evaluated by a team member. Accountability theory was used to guide the development of this study. The study’s goal was to provide needed information on the specific roles and responsibilities of RTs in a COPD multidisciplinary care team because RTs knowing their roles and responsibilities could improve the quality of care and enhance the delivery of healthcare services for patients with COPD. The study’s research method was qualitative. Ten RTs who currently work in Newark, New Jersey, with a minimum of 36 months of experience as an RT, experience in acute care hospitals and experience with multidisciplinary care teams for patients with COPD participated in the study. Data analysis included separating the data into codes, categories, and themes manually using structural and descriptive coding. The three themes that emerged to answer the first research question were that RTs perceive themselves as educators; RTs provide therapeutic and diagnostic services; RTs provide airway management and mechanical ventilation. The second research question showed that RTs were accountable for performing their roles and responsibilities. This study may influence positive social changes by increasing the awareness of RTs and the members of the COPD multidisciplinary team regarding RTs' roles and responsibilities in an interdisciplinary team which may improve care coordination, interdisciplinary communication, and decision-making among healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary care team.

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