Respiratory physiotherapy in intensive care unit: Bibliographic review

Physiotherapy Practice Pattern in the Adult Intensive Care Units of Singapore – A Multi-Centre Survey

Background

The roles of physiotherapy in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have significantly developed from the traditional management of respiratory conditions to early rehabilitation and mobilisation of patients on mechanical ventilation. Surveys of United Kingdom, Australia and regional ICU physiotherapy practice have been published but there are no local data sets. This study aims to report the physiotherapy practices across the adult ICUs of Singapore.

Methods

Twenty-nine item questionnaire was mailed to 90 physiotherapists working in 15 adult ICUs across restructured and private hospitals in Singapore. Data sets were summarised from the returned questionnaires. This includes identifying common physiotherapy techniques and exercise prescription protocols for both mechanically and non-mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU.

Results

A total of 63 (70%) questionnaires were returned. The most used physiotherapy interventions were airway secretion clearance, techniques to improve lung ventilation and mobilisation out of bed. Positioning was most used respiratory technique (60/61, 98%). Sitting on the edge of bed is the most preferred physical activity for ICU patients (43/44, 98%). Exercise was routinely prescribed (50/61, 83%) although only a minority (8/50, 16%) have established exercise prescription protocols. For mechanically ventilated patients, active/active assisted exercises were most used (40/44, 91%). 12% of ICU use either Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool or the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit as routine outcome measures.

Conclusion

Airway clearance was stated as the most used physiotherapy technique. Exercise is routinely prescribed in ICU. Validated outcome measures are only used by few.

The Effects of Manual Lung Hyperinflation on Pulmonary Function after Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation among Patients with Abdominal Surgeries: Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: After abdominal surgery, the patients who are separated from mechanical ventilation and provided with oxygen therapy via a T-piece are at risk for respiratory complications. Therefore, they need additional respiratory support. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of manual hyperinflation (MHI) on pulmonary function after weaning. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 40 patients who had undergone abdominal surgery and were receiving oxygen via a T-piece. Patients were selected from the intensive care units (ICU) of two hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. The subjects were randomly allocated to intervention (MHI) and control groups. Patients in the MHI group were provided with three 20-minute MHI rounds using the Mapleson C, while the control group received routine cares. Tidal volume (Vt), Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI), and the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (P/F ratio) were measured before the intervention, as well as 5 and 20 minutes after the intervention. Atelectasis prevalence was assessed before and 24 hours after the intervention. Data were analysed by SPSS software version 13. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding Vt, RSBI, P/F ratio, and atelectasis rate. No significant difference was also found between the groups regarding atelectasis rate 24 hours after the intervention. However, at both posttests, Vt, RSBI, and P/F ratio in the MHI group were significantly better than the control group. Conclusion: In patients with artificial airway and spontaneous breathing, MHI improves pulmonary function.

Physiotherapy Care of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - A Brazilian Experience

Some patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) present with severe acute respiratory syndrome, which causes multiple organ dysfunction, besides dysfunction of the respiratory system, that requires invasive procedures. On the basis of the opinions of front-line experts and a review of the relevant literature on several topics, we proposed clinical practice recommendations on the following aspects for physiotherapists facing challenges in treating patients and containing virus spread: 1. personal protective equipment, 2. conventional chest physiotherapy, 3. exercise and early mobilization, 4. oxygen therapy, 5. nebulizer treatment, 6. non-invasive ventilation and high-flow nasal oxygen, 7. endotracheal intubation, 8. protective mechanical ventilation, 9. management of mechanical ventilation in severe and refractory cases of hypoxemia, 10. prone positioning, 11. cuff pressure, 12. tube and nasotracheal suction, 13. humidifier use for ventilated patients, 14. methods of weaning ventilated patients and extubation, and 15. equipment and hand hygiene. These recommendations can serve as clinical practice guidelines for physiotherapists. This article details the development of guidelines on these aspects for physiotherapy of patients with COVID-19.

[Advances in respiratory assessment and treatment in children undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation]

The widespread use of mechanical ventilation technology has contributed to the successful treatment of many children with respiratory failure. At the same time, forced ventilation and changes in normal respiratory physiology and mechanics may lead to respiratory dysfunction and decreased airway clearance ability. Therefore, how to perform a comprehensive and accurate respiratory function assessment, conduct appropriate respiratory function rehabilitation, perform extubation as soon as possible, and shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation based on the children's own physiological characteristics, is a focus of the research on effective weaning from mechanical ventilation in children with severe conditions. This article reviews the advances in the respiratory function assessment and treatment methods in children undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation.