Grant: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are essential healthcare professionals who help patients with breathing problems. However, they struggle to stay updated with the latest research and provide the best care due to several challenges. These challenges include feeling overwhelmed at work, not getting enough recognition, struggling to do research, limited chances for further education, and not having enough RTs in the field. To deal with these problems, this research program involves working with RTs to cocreate and test a training program called a micro-credential. This program focuses on teaching RTs how to use the most up-to-date information in their work, a practice known as evidence-informed practice (EIP). EIP combines research findings, clinical expertise, patient preferences, and available resources to help make decisions about patient care. It's about making sure both healthcare providers and patients have good information to make wise choices while considering each patient's unique needs. However, RTs face difficulties in using EIP effectively. Many respiratory therapy training programs don't cover EIP well or emphasize research methods and how to use evidence enough. As a result, RTs may not have the skills they need to use evidence in their daily work. One possible solution to fix these problems is offering a micro-credential program made by RTs, for RTs. Micro-credentials are short educational activities that show you've learned specific things or gained certain skills. They are cost-effective and flexible, making it easier for RTs to keep improving their abilities and learning throughout their careers while they work. By providing this focused training through micro-credentials, RTs can get better at using EIP, leading to better patient care.