The impact of COVID-19 on the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists in primary care in Ontario, Canada
| dc.contributor.author | Biesheuvel, Sandra | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Hatala, Andrew (Community Health Sciences) | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Camp, Pat (University of British Columbia) | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Chartrand, Louise | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-01-16T15:46:45Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-01-16T15:46:45Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-01-15 | |
| dc.date.submitted | 2025-01-15T21:23:31Z | en_US |
| dc.degree.discipline | Rehabilitation Sciences | |
| dc.degree.level | Master of Science (M.Sc.) | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background/Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted health care providers as their roles changed in providing care for patients with chronic respiratory disease. The impact of the pandemic was significant in Ontario, Canada, where the already strained health care system responded by reducing in-person primary care visits and replacing them with virtual visits. Some respiratory therapists working in primary care pivoted to the provision of virtual care, while others were redeployed to acute care to manage the patient surge. Few articles explore the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists working in primary care. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative case study is to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists working in primary care in Ontario, Canada. The research objectives are to define the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists working in primary care, explore the extent of role ambiguity, and describe how COVID-19 has impacted their practice. Methods: Using case study methodology, virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with four respiratory therapists working in primary care in Ontario. Data was analyzed using Stake’s method of case study analysis. Results: Respiratory therapists are a well-respected member of the interprofessional health care team, they appreciate the autonomy of their roles in primary care, and these roles were adapted during the pandemic to continue providing care to patients with chronic respiratory disease. The challenges posed by the pandemic resulted in some primary care clinics moving to virtual care, while other clinics suspended services at the peak of the pandemic. Public fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus prompted some patients to discontinue care with their primary care team, and respiratory therapists felt devalued and disconnected from their patients. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the strengths and vulnerabilities within the primary care setting and identified that there is a need for more respiratory therapists working in primary care to utilize their skill set in managing patients with chronic respiratory disease. Pivoting the role of the respiratory therapists to provide virtual care provides insight into how to prepare for future pandemics and minimize the disruption of care. Conclusion: Future research into the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists working in primary care could demonstrate the need for these health care professionals in reducing the burden of chronic respiratory disease on the health care system and increase patient outcomes. | |
| dc.description.note | February 2025 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1993/38829 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.subject | Respiratory therapist | |
| dc.subject | Roles and responsibilities | |
| dc.subject | Primary care | |
| dc.subject | COVID-19 | |
| dc.title | The impact of COVID-19 on the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists in primary care in Ontario, Canada | |
| local.subject.manitoba | no |