Respiratory Therapists' Mental Health and Experiences during Covid-19

ABSTRACT

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are enduring novel COVID-19-related challenges, compacting upon existing stressors in the profession, including a lack of adequate personal protective equipment and increased exposure to death and dying. Here, RTs are at an increased risk for a host of negative psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD or moral injury. Critically, little is known about the mental health and experiences of RTs during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the mental health of this vital workforce at stake, it is essential to understand the impact that serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Canadian RTs. RTs from across Canada were invited to complete an online survey and virtual interview about their experiences during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey included basic demographic information (e.g., sex, age, marital status) and questionnaires about mental health and functioning. The virtual interview allowed RTs to share and discuss challenges and associated impacts experienced during the pandemic as well as their opinions on relevant supports. Two-hundred and forty-two (N = 242) RTs from across Canada participated in this study. While data analysis remains ongoing, preliminary analyses reveal that RTs are suffering from the provision of perceived futile care and standing in for family at the bedside of dying COVID-19 patients. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, moral distress and moral injury are relevant concerns among RTs. COVID-19 restrictions have prevented RTs from engaging in usual coping strategies (e.g., going to the gym, going out with friends and family). Furthermore, a quarter of our sample reported that they were considering leaving their position due to moral distress, with these individuals endorsing greater symptoms of all negative psychological outcomes included in this study than their counterparts who did not report considering leaving their position. Providing care during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted Canadian RTs' mental health. Adequate resources and interventions are essential to support RTs during and beyond the pandemic and to ensure the continuity of our healthcare system.