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Rationale, Aims and Objectives The Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WAT‐1) is one of the most widely used clinician‐reported outcome measures to evaluate iatrogenic withdrawal symptoms (IWS) in critically ill children. However, the WAT‐1's measurement properties have not been aggregated. Aggregating psychometric research on the WAT‐1 will enhance appropriate use, and outline gaps for future empirical research. The aim of this systematic review is to critically appraise, compare, and summarize the measurement properties and evidence quality, and describe the interpretability and feasibility of the WAT‐1 for identifying IWS symptoms in critically ill children. Methods A systematic search of Medline, Embase and CINAHL was conducted from inception to 15 April 2020. Study inclusion/exclusion, data extraction, and measurement property evidence and the modified GRADE quality scoring were applied according to the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Results Six studies were included in the review. There was sufficient, high‐quality evidence for reliability, structural validity, criterion validity, measurement error, construct validity, and feasibility. More information is required to support the WAT‐1's content validity, responsiveness, internal consistency, cross‐cultural validity, and interpretability according to COSMIN guidelines. Conclusion The results of this review indicate that the WAT‐1 is a precise, easy to use measure of IWS in critically ill children despite some measurement property inconsistencies and gaps in the publication record. More information is required to support its content validity, responsiveness, internal consistency, cross‐cultural validity, and interpretability.

Introduction:A recurrent challenge facing respiratory therapists (RTs) is their legitimacy as professionals. RTs are often referred to as technologists, vocationalists, or technicians and must often justify their status as full professionals rather than "professional technicians". There is currently little exploration of what it means to be a profession and the process of professionalization in respiratory therapy. Approach: Drawing from sociological theory, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the professionalization of respiratory therapy in Canada using Andrew Abbott's theory, the "system of professions". We will use this theory as a lens to propose areas of consideration for professional development regarding two pervasive themes in the respiratory therapy community, RTs' specialized body of knowledge and professional autonomy. Findings: Abstract knowledge is believed to be essential in the evolution from occupation to profession and is valuable to a profession in three ways: it can influence the profession's legitimacy, it can be used for conducting research, and it promotes higher education. RTs possess jurisdictional professional autonomy within Canada. The privilege of self-regulation allows RTs to act according to their knowledge and judgement without direct oversight from other professions. Conclusion:Based on Abbott's theoretical position, RTs can rightly justify their position as professionals. However, RTs need to acknowledge that professionalization is a dynamic and continuous process that requires creative changes to innovate within the profession and support future efforts to reinforce their position as professionals. Throughout this paper, we offer suggestions for how RTs can contribute to the ongoing professionalization of respiratory therapy.