Abstract
Introduction/Aim
Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are recommended for people with bronchiectasis both in stable state and during an acute exacerbation. The current use of ACTs by physiotherapists in the management of individuals during an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish what current physiotherapy practices in the use of ACTs in clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand comprise for people experiencing an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
Methods
A cross sectional online survey was employed, disseminated by the peak professional bodies in both Australia and New Zealand between August 2016 and April 2017. Participants were physiotherapists who had treated adults or children diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in the last 12 months.
Results
The survey was accessed by 130 physiotherapists and 121 of those deemed themselves eligible and consented to participate. Most participants (89%) reported prescribing ACTs for up to 81‐100% of individuals during an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. The most commonly used ACTs with adults were directed huffing (92%), exercise (89%) and the active cycle of breathing technique (89%). The most commonly used ACTs for paediatric patients were: new born‐3 years ‐ percussion (85%) and positioning (77%); 4‐10 years ‐ directed huffing (100%) and exercise (85%); 11‐18 years ‐ directed huffing (92%) and exercise (77%), active cycle of breathing technique (77%) and positive expiratory pressure therapy (77%). The majority (97%) of participants felt that further research was required regarding the use of ACTs with individuals with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
Conclusions
This survey demonstrates that ACTs are routinely used as part of physiotherapy management of adults and children experiencing an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis, with the most common techniques in adults being components of ACBT and physical exercise. In children, technique choice was dependent on age.
Declaration of Interest
None.
Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are recommended for people with bronchiectasis both in stable state and during an acute exacerbation. The current use of ACTs by physiotherapists in the management of individuals during an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish what current physiotherapy practices in the use of ACTs in clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand comprise for people experiencing an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
Methods
A cross sectional online survey was employed, disseminated by the peak professional bodies in both Australia and New Zealand between August 2016 and April 2017. Participants were physiotherapists who had treated adults or children diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in the last 12 months.
Results
The survey was accessed by 130 physiotherapists and 121 of those deemed themselves eligible and consented to participate. Most participants (89%) reported prescribing ACTs for up to 81‐100% of individuals during an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. The most commonly used ACTs with adults were directed huffing (92%), exercise (89%) and the active cycle of breathing technique (89%). The most commonly used ACTs for paediatric patients were: new born‐3 years ‐ percussion (85%) and positioning (77%); 4‐10 years ‐ directed huffing (100%) and exercise (85%); 11‐18 years ‐ directed huffing (92%) and exercise (77%), active cycle of breathing technique (77%) and positive expiratory pressure therapy (77%). The majority (97%) of participants felt that further research was required regarding the use of ACTs with individuals with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
Conclusions
This survey demonstrates that ACTs are routinely used as part of physiotherapy management of adults and children experiencing an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis, with the most common techniques in adults being components of ACBT and physical exercise. In children, technique choice was dependent on age.
Declaration of Interest
None.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | TP122 |
| Pages (from-to) | 170 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Respirology |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | S1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Mar 2019 |
| Event | The Australia & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science and The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (ANZSRS/TSANZ) Annual Scientific Meeting - Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 29 Mar 2019 → 2 Apr 2019 |