Amanda Heitzman
University of Cincinnati Hospital
A descriptive research study using qualitative research designs was used to determine the role of critical thinking in respiratory care. The purpose of this study is to determine what role critical thinking has in respiratory care. The research questions are:
1. What would help improve critical thinking skills of respiratory therapists?
2. How can critical thinking skills be used by respiratory therapists?
3. How do respiratory therapists apply and use critical thinking?
An on-line survey was sent to registered respiratory therapists working at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Results did confirm that critical thinking skills are used in respiratory care. The results prompted more questions for future studies to include higher education, changing the culture of respiratory care, and how to educate and provide more opportunities for critical thinking skills in the field.
