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Abstract

Background: Non-technical skills (NTS), including communication, teamwork, decision-making, and situational awareness, are increasingly recognized as essential for patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. Respiratory therapists (RTs) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) frequently face high-stakes clinical situations where NTS are critical, yet limited evidence exists regarding their integration into practice and training. This study evaluated the impact of NTS on RT practice, identified key skill gaps, and proposed recommendations for curriculum enhancement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 RTs with at least six months of experience at KFSH&RC in Jeddah city. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire assessing NTS frequency, perceived importance, adequacy of training, and associations with clinical outcomes. Analyses were performed in SPSS v29 using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. Qualitative feedback from open-ended responses was also incorporated. Results: Communication was identified as the most critical non-technical skill and was strongly associated with decision-making and problem-solving. Senior respiratory therapists demonstrated stronger situational awareness and problem-solving abilities, while stress management was rated as moderate yet essential during emergencies. Commonly reported gaps included limited simulation-based teamwork training and inconsistent integration of non-technical skills into educational curricula. Conclusion: NTS proficiency enhances RT practice, particularly in crisis management and communication. Structured training incorporating mentoring, inter-professional simulation, and standardized frameworks such as TeamSTEPPS is recommended to reduce errors, improve patient outcomes, and support institutional excellence.

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