A survey examining the use of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation on adult intensive care units across the UK

Cramp, Fiona; Swingwood, Ema; Tume, Lyvonne

Abstract

Introduction: Despite potential benefits, it is not known how widely physiotherapists use mechanical insufflation-exsufflation devices on UK adult intensive care units. This survey aimed to describe mechanical insufflation-exsufflation use in UK adult intensive care units. Methods: Cross-sectional electronic survey of physiotherapists working in a permanent post on adult intensive care units. Results: One hundred and sixty-six complete surveys were available for analysis, reflecting a diverse geographical spread. Nearly all (98%; 163/166) clinicians had access to mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. The estimated frequency of use varied, with the majority reporting weekly or monthly use (52/163, 32%; 50/163, 31%, respectively). Nearly all clinicians (99%) used mechanical insufflation-exsufflation with extubated patients. In contrast, around half of respondents (86/163, 53%) used mechanical insufflation-exsufflation with intubated patients, with a range of perceived barriers reported. Conclusions: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation devices are widely available on UK adult intensive care units, with use more common in extubated patients. Barriers to mechanical insufflation-exsufflation use in the intubated population warrant further investigation

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 9, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Sep 5, 2019
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 29, 2019
• Journal: Journal of the Intensive Care Society
• Print ISSN: 1751-1437
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 283-289
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1751143719870121
• Keywords: Cough assist, cough augmentation, mechanical ventilation, physiotherapy, weaning
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/2421238
• Contract Date: Aug 29, 2019