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.