Date of Award

Fall 11-29-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Respiratory Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Lynda Goodfellow

Second Advisor

Prof. Robert Murray

Third Advisor

Prof. Kyle Brandenberger

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidenced-based practice (EBP) is applying or translating research findings in our daily patient care practices and clinical decision-making. EBP also involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical knowledge and expertise, while considering patients’ unique needs and personal preferences. Since the role of RTs has increased, the importance of choosing the most effective treatment available is vital. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate RTs' EBP beliefs and their implementation level and obtain important information about their daily clinical practice. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the level of implementation, describe beliefs about EBP among respiratory therapists in the clinical setting in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study utilized an online, cross-sectional survey with 34 questions administered to a convenience sample of RTs in Saudi Arabia. The survey is divided into three sections: belief and implementation, and demographics questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA tests. A significance level was set at 0.05. All analyses were performed in SPSS version 26. RESULTS: The total sample consisted of 49 respiratory therapists consisting of three experience levels: less than 5 years (n=38, 77.55%), 5 to 10 years (n=6, 12.24%), and more than 10 years (n=5, 10.20%). The majority of the respondents were males (57%, n=28), while the females comprised (40% n=20). Most of the respondents in the study are between 25 and 30 years old (59% n=29), under 25 years (32% n=16), and over 35 years old (8% n=4) There were no statistically significant differences between male and female respondents or years of experience in the belief or implementation scales. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the respiratory therapists' community in Saudi Arabia reported their positive beliefs about EBP, but most of them did not frequently implement it in their daily clinical practice. Further research is required due to a lack of literature on evidence-based practice in respiratory therapy, and to assess the correlates of negative EBP' implementation levels among RTs in Saudi Arabia

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/26879965

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