Exploring knowledge gaps and research needs in respiratory therapy: a qualitative description study

Background

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are expected to stay updated on technology, treatments, research, and best practices to provide high-quality patient care. They must possess the skills to interpret, evaluate, and contribute to evidence-based practices. However, RTs often rely on research from other professions that may not fully address their specific needs, leading to insufficient guidance for their practice. Additionally, there has been no exploration of knowledge gaps and research needs from RTs' perspectives to enhance their practice and patient outcomes. The research questions guiding this study were: (i) what are the perceived practice-oriented knowledge gaps? and (ii) what are the necessary research priorities across the respiratory therapy profession according to experts in respiratory therapy?

Methods

A qualitative description study was conducted using semi-structured focus groups with 40 expert RTs from seven areas of practice across Canada. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

We identified four major themes relating to what these experts perceive as the practice-oriented gaps and necessary research priorities across the respiratory therapy profession: 1) system-level impact of RTs, 2) optimizing respiratory therapy practices, 3) scholarship on the respiratory therapy profession and 4) respiratory therapy education.

Discussion

The findings establish a fundamental understanding of the current gaps and the specific needs of RTs that require further investigation. Participants strongly emphasized the significance of research priorities that consider the breadth and depth of the respiratory therapy profession, which underscores the complex nature of respiratory therapy and its application in practice.

Conclusion

The unique insights garnered from this study highlight the knowledge gaps and research needs specific to RTs. These findings pave the way for further exploration, discourse, and research aimed at understanding the specific contributions and requirements of RTs.

Underrepresentation of Respiratory Therapists as Experts in Delphi Studies on Respiratory Practices and Research Priorities

Delphi survey techniques are a common consensus method used to collect feedback from an expert panel to inform practices, establish guidelines, and identify research priorities. Collecting respiratory therapists' (RT) expertise and experiences as part of consensus-building methodologies is one way to ensure that they align with RT practices and to better influence respiratory care practice. This narrative review aimed to report the RT representation in expert panels of Delphi studies focused on respiratory therapy practices and research priorities. The research question that guided this review is: to what extent are RTs included as expert participants among published Delphi studies relate to respiratory therapy and research topics? We conducted a structured search of the literature and identified 23 papers that reported Delphi studies related to respiratory care practices and 15 that reported on respiratory-related research priorities. Delphi studies that focused on reporting consensus on respiratory care practices included the following: (1) mechanical ventilation, (2) high-flow nasal cannula therapy, (3) COVID-19 respiratory management, (4) home oxygen therapy, (5) cardiopulmonary monitoring, and (6) disease-specific guidelines. Delphi studies that focused on establishing respiratory research priorities included the following: (1) theory and practice-orientated knowledge gaps, and (2) priority research topics for empirical investigation. The results of this review suggest that RTs were rarely included as expert participants and, when involved, were minimally represented (5% to 33%). Given RTs' diverse and relevant experience in respiratory care, incorporating their perspectives to inform future education, respiratory care practices, and research priorities would allow evidence to better align with knowledge gaps deemed important for the respiratory therapy profession.

A Delphi Survey of Canadian Respiratory Therapists' Practice Statements on Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND

Pediatric mechanical ventilation practice guidelines are not well established; therefore, the European Society for Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) developed consensus recommendations on pediatric mechanical ventilation management in 2017. However, the guideline's applicability in different health care settings is unknown. This study aimed to determine the consensus on pediatric mechanical ventilation practices from Canadian respiratory therapists' (RTs) perspectives and consensually validate aspects of the ESPNIC guideline.

METHODS

A 3-round modified electronic Delphi survey was conducted; contents were guided by ESPNIC. Participants were RTs with at least 5 years of experience working in standalone pediatric ICUs or units with dedicated pediatric intensive care beds across Canada. Round 1 collected open-text feedback, and subsequent rounds gathered feedback using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement; if consensus was unmet, statements were revised for re-ranking in the subsequent round.

RESULTS

Fifty-two RTs from 14 different pediatric facilities participated in at least one of the 3 rounds. Rounds 1, 2, and 3 had a response rate of 80%, 93%, and 96%, respectively. A total of 59 practice statements achieved consensus by the end of round 3, categorized into 10 sections: (1) noninvasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, (2) tidal volume and inspiratory pressures, (3) breathing frequency and inspiratory times, (4) PEEP and F_IO2 , (5) advanced modes of ventilation, (6) weaning, (7) physiological targets, (8) monitoring, (9) general, and (10) equipment adjuncts. Cumulative text feedback guided the formation of the clinical remarks to supplement these practice statements.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first study to survey RTs for their perspectives on the general practice of pediatric mechanical ventilation management in Canada, generally aligning with the ESPNIC guideline. These practice statements considered information from health organizations and institutes, supplemented with clinical remarks. Future studies are necessary to verify and understand these practices' effectiveness.

Outcomes and follow-up for children intubated in an adult-based community hospital system: A retrospective chart review

Objectives

Emergency intubation is a high-risk procedure in children. Studies describing intubation practices in locations other than pediatric centres are scarce and varied. This study described pediatric intubations in adult-based community emergency departments (EDs) and determined what factors were associated with intubated-related adverse events (AEs) and described outcomes of children transferred to a quaternary care pediatric institution.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of data collected between January 2006 and March 2017 at Lakeridge Health and Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Patients were <18 years and intubated in Lakeridge Health EDs; those intubated prior to ED arrival were excluded. Primary outcomes were intubation first-pass success (FPS) and AEs secondary to intubation.

Results

Patients (n = 121) were analyzed, and median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 3.7 (0.4–14.3) years. There were 76 (62.8%) FPS, with no difference between pediatricians (n = 25, 23%) or anaesthetists (n = 12, 11%), versus all other providers (paramedic n = 13 (12%), ED physician n = 37 (34%), respiratory therapist n = 20 (18%), transfer team n = 2 (2%)). The proportion of AEs was 24 (19.8%, n = 21 minor, n = 3 major), with no significant difference between pediatricians or anaesthetists versus all other providers. Data from 68 children transferred to SickKids were available, with the majority extubated within a short median (IQR) time of admission, 1.2 (0.29–3.8) days.

Conclusions

Pediatric intubations were rare in a Canadian adult-based community hospital system. Most intubations demonstrated FPS with relatively few AEs and no significant differences between health provider type. Future investigations should utilize multi-centred data to inform strategies suited for organizations’ unique practice cultures, including training programs.

Healthcare utilization and costs of pediatric home mechanical ventilation in Canada

BACKGROUND

Children using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) live at home with better quality of life, despite financial burden for their family. Previous studies of healthcare utilization and costs have not considered public and private expenditures, including family caregiver time. Our objective was to examine public and private healthcare utilization and costs for children using HMV, and variables associated with highest costs.

METHODS

Longitudinal, prospective, observational cost analysis study (2012-2014) collecting data on public and private (out-of-pocket, third-party insurance, and caregiving) costs every 2 weeks for 6 months using the Ambulatory Home Care Record. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), WeeFIM, and Caregiving Impact Scale (CIS) were measured at baseline and study completion. Regression modeling examined a priori selected variables associated with monthly costs using Andersen and Newman's framework for healthcare utilization, relevant literature, and clinical expertise. Data are reported in 2015 Canadian dollars ($1CAD = $0.78USD).

RESULTS

Forty two children and their caregivers were enrolled. Overall median (interquartile range) monthly healthcare cost was $12 131 ($8159-$15 958) comprising $9929 (89%) family caregiving hours, $996 (9%) publicly funded, and $252 (2%) out-of-pocket (<1% third-party insurance) costs. With higher FIM score (lower dependency), median costs were reduced by 4.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.3%-0.5%), adjusted for age, sex, tracheostomy, and daily ventilation duration. Note: since the three cost categories did not sum to the total statistically derived median cost, the percentage of each category used the sum of median public + caregiver lost time + private out-of-pocket + third-party insurance as the denominator.

CONCLUSIONS

For HMV children, most healthcare costs were due to family caregiving costs. More dependent children incur highest costs. The financial burden to family caregivers is substantial and needs to considered in future policy decisions related to pediatric HMV.

Effects of an extubation readiness test protocol at a tertiary care fully outborn neonatal intensive care unit

Background and objectives

Extubation readiness testing (ERT) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is highly variable and lacking standardized criteria. To address this gap, an evidence-based, inter-professionally developed ERT protocol was implemented to assess effectiveness on extubation failure within 72 h and on duration of intubation (DOI).

Methods

A longitudinal retrospective chart review in a level III, fully outborn NICU, of intubated infants admitted 1-year prior (Group 1), and 1 year after implementation (Group 2). Patients were extubated if they passed a 2-stage ERT protocol (3 min continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) followed by 7 min CPAP + pressure support). Descriptive, comparative statistics, and univariate and multiple logistic regression were completed on all patients and a ≤32 6/7 weeks subgroup (intubated at day-of-life 1); p < 0.05 is considered significant.

Results

All patients (n = 589 (n = 294 Group 1, n = 295 Group 2)) were included (preterm, intubated day of life one subgroup: n = 42 Group 1, n = 38 Group 2). For all patients, extubation failure decreased significantly from 9.9% to 4.1% (p = 0.006); Group 1 patients were 2.42 times more likely to experience extubation failure compared with Group 2. Extubation failure in the preterm subgroup decreased from 21.7% to 2.6% (p = 0.01); Group 1 patients were 10.71 times more likely to experience extubation failure. Median DOI was similar in both groups for all patients and in the preterm subgroup.

Conclusions

A unique two-stage ERT protocol was effective at reducing extubation failure rate, without increasing DOI, largely in preterm infants. The evidence-based, interprofessionally developed ERT protocol and its integration into the NICU culture largely contributed to its success.

Assessing physical and respiratory distress in children with bronchiolitis admitted to a community hospital emergency department: A retrospective chart review

Introduction

Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of infant hospitalization with wide variation in its diagnosis and management, especially in smaller community hospitals. The objective of this study is to describe children admitted to a community-based hospital emergency department (ED) for bronchiolitis and explore alternate assessments of illness severity.

Methods

A retrospective chart review (January to September 2014) of 100 children, < 2 years old and meeting International Classification of Diseases 10 for bronchiolitis. Outcomes included demographics, symptoms, and interventions. In addition, the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score was calculated using documented assessments of wheezing and retractions. Descriptive and comparative statistics were completed with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age 10.6 (8.4) months, n = 41 females. Sixty-seven percent had a chest X-ray (CXR), 17% oral antibiotics, 65% bronchodilators, and 19% oral steroids; 19% were admitted in hospital. There was a significant difference in RDAI score between those given oral antibiotics (mean (95% CI), 6.35 (4.96–7.75)) versus not (4.70 (4.20–5.20)), p = 0.01. Those who received a CXR had a significantly higher oxygen flowrate (1.4 (0.6–2.1) litres per minute (lpm)) and worse physical appearance (tri-pod position, head bobbing) versus those who did not (0.15 (–0.05 to 0.35) lpm), p = 0.002 and p = 0.04, respectively.

Conclusions

A large number of children admitted to a community-based ED for bronchiolitis received unnecessary CXR and medications. Assessing physical and respiratory distress may be more effective at determining illness severity compared with radiological or laboratory testing. Local clinical practice guidelines may aid in optimal management of bronchiolitis for community-based EDs.

Exercise training undertaken by people within 12 months of lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Decreased exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are common in people following lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Exercise training has been demonstrated to confer gains in exercise capacity and HRQoL for people with a range of chronic conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure, as well as in people with prostate and breast cancer. A programme of exercise training may also confer gains in these outcomes for people following lung resection for NSCLC. This systematic review updates our 2013 systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this review was to determine the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity and adverse events in people following lung resection (with or without chemotherapy) for NSCLC. The secondary aims were to determine the effects of exercise training on other outcomes such as HRQoL, force-generating capacity of peripheral muscles, pressure-generating capacity of the respiratory muscles, dyspnoea and fatigue, feelings of anxiety and depression, lung function, and mortality.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for additional randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library 2019, Issue 2 of 12), MEDLINE (via PubMed) (2013 to February 2019), Embase (via Ovid) (2013 to February 2019), SciELO (The Scientific Electronic Library Online) (2013 to February 2019), and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) (2013 to February 2019).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs in which participants with NSCLC who underwent lung resection were allocated to receive either exercise training, which included aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or a combination of both, or no exercise training.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors screened the studies and identified those eligible for inclusion. We used either postintervention values (with their respective standard deviation (SD)) or mean changes (with their respective SD) in the meta-analyses that reported results as mean difference (MD). In meta-analyses that reported results as standardised mean difference (SMD), we placed studies that reported postintervention values and those that reported mean changes in separate subgroups. We assessed the certainty of evidence for each outcome by downgrading or upgrading the evidence according to GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

Along with the three RCTs included in the original version of this review (2013), we identified an additional five RCTs in this update, resulting in a total of eight RCTs involving 450 participants (180 (40%) females). The risk of selection bias in the included studies was low and the risk of performance bias high. Six studies explored the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training; one explored the effects of combined aerobic and inspiratory muscle training; and one explored the effects of combined aerobic, resistance, inspiratory muscle training and balance training. On completion of the intervention period, compared to the control group, exercise capacity expressed as the peak rate of oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was greater in the intervention group (VO₂peak: MD 2.97 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93 to 4.02 mL/kg/min, 4 studies, 135 participants, moderate-certainty evidence; 6MWD: MD 57 m, 95% CI 34 to 80 m, 5 studies, 182 participants, high-certainty evidence). One adverse event (hip fracture) related to the intervention was reported in one of the included studies. The intervention group also achieved greater improvements in the physical component of general HRQoL (MD 5.0 points, 95% CI 2.3 to 7.7 points, 4 studies, 208 participants, low-certainty evidence); improved force-generating capacity of the quadriceps muscle (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.1, 4 studies, 133 participants, moderate-certainty evidence); and less dyspnoea (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.81 to -0.05, 3 studies, 110 participants, very low-certainty evidence). We observed uncertain effects on the mental component of general HRQoL, disease-specific HRQoL, handgrip force, fatigue, and lung function. There were insufficient data to comment on the effect of exercise training on maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures and feelings of anxiety and depression. Mortality was not reported in the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Exercise training increased exercise capacity and quadriceps muscle force of people following lung resection for NSCLC. Our findings also suggest improvements on the physical component score of general HRQoL and decreased dyspnoea. This systematic review emphasises the importance of exercise training as part of the postoperative management of people with NSCLC.

Healthcare utilisation and costs of home mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Individuals using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) frequently choose to live at home for quality of life, despite financial burden. Previous studies of healthcare utilisation and costs do not consider public and private expenditures, including caregiver time.

OBJECTIVES

To determine public and private healthcare utilisation and costs for HMV users living at home in two Canadian provinces, and examine factors associated with higher costs.

METHODS

Longitudinal, prospective observational cost analysis study (April 2012 to August 2015) collecting data on public and private (out-of-pocket, third-party insurance, caregiving) costs every 2 weeks for 6 months using the Ambulatory and Home Care Record. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used at baseline and study completion. Regression models examined variables associated with total monthly costs selected a priori using Andersen and Newman's framework for healthcare utilisation, relevant literature, and clinical expertise. Data are reported in 2015 Canadian dollars ($C1=US$0.78=₤0.51=€0.71).

RESULTS

We enrolled 134 HMV users; 95 with family caregivers. Overall median (IQR) monthly healthcare cost was $5275 ($2291-$10 181) with $2410 (58%) publicly funded; $1609 (39%) family caregiving; and $141 (3%) out-of-pocket (<1% third-party insurance). Median healthcare costs were $8733 ($5868-$15 274) for those invasively ventilated and $3925 ($1212-$7390) for non-invasive ventilation. Variables associated with highest monthly costs were amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (1.88, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.26, P<0.03) and lower FIM quintiles (higher dependency) (up to 6.98, 95% CI 3.88 to 12.55, P<0.0001) adjusting for age, sex, tracheostomy and ventilation duration.

CONCLUSIONS

For HMV users, most healthcare costs were publicly supported or associated with family caregiving. Highest costs were incurred by the most dependent users. Understanding healthcare costs for HMV users will inform policy decisions to optimise resource allocation, helping individuals live at home while minimising caregiver burden.

Comparison of cardiac rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with respiratory, cardiac or no comorbidities: A retrospective review

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence and impact of respiratory comorbidities on patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a CR database (1999 to 2004) of patients with ischemic heart disease with ≥10 pack per year (ppy) smoking history and respiratory comorbidities (RC), non-respiratory comorbidities (NRC) and no comorbidities (NC) was performed. Primary outcomes at zero, six and 12 months included peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), maximum workload, resting heart rate, ventilatory anaerobic threshold and anthropometrics. Analyses were performed on individuals who completed the program, adjusting for age, sex and baseline VO2peak.

RESULTS

Of 5922 patients, 1247 had ≥10 ppy smoking history: 77 (6.2%) had RC; 957 (76.7%) had NRC; and 213 (17.1%) had NC. The program completion rate for each group was similar for the RC (46.8%), NRC (55.8%) and NC groups (57.3%) (P=0.26). The RC group had the lowest baseline fitness levels (P<0.002). For VO2peak, there were significant differences among groups (P=0.02) and improvements over program duration (P<0.0001). There were no significant differences in other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a low prevalence of patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in CR when based on physician referral documentation. This is likely underestimated and/or reflects a referral bias. Diagnostic testing at CR entry would provide a more accurate measure of the prevalence and severity of disease. CR participation resulted in significant and similar improvements in most key CR outcomes in all groups including similar completion rate. A CR model was effective for patients with coexisting RCs. Strategies to improve access and diagnosis should be explored.

Exercise program to enhance physical performance and quality of life of older hemodialysis patients: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the feasibility of implementing a combined in-hospital and home-based exercise program in older hemodialysis (HD) patients.

DESIGN

A prospective longitudinal 12-week pilot study.

SETTING

A university hospital HD unit and patients' homes.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of nine older (>55 years) patients undergoing HD.

INTERVENTIONS

An individualized exercise program performed on HD days (3/week) and at home (2-3/week), including aerobic, flexibility, strength exercises and patient education.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Feasibility measure: patient participation. Exercise performance: Duke Activity Status Index (DASI); 2-min walk test (2MWT); Timed-up-and-go (TUG). Quality of life: The Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS); The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (KDQOL).

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the patients was 68.1 (7.1). Participation in the in-hospital supervised exercise program was high, with patients exercising during 89% of HD sessions, but was lower for the unsupervised home-based component (56% exercised ≥ 2 times/week). Patients showed a gradual increase in the amount of exercise performed over 12 weeks. The 2MWT, TUG, IIRS and the KDQOL physical composite score demonstrated moderate responsiveness, while the DASI score exhibited only limited responsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

This exercise program and the outcome measures were feasible for older HD patients: in-hospital participation was high, and physical performance and QOL measures exhibited moderate levels of responsiveness. Future, larger studies are needed to demonstrate whether intra-dialysis exercise, with or without home exercise, can lead to improved outcomes in this population.

Ambulatory gas usage in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exertional hypoxemia

PURPOSE

Nonblinded observational studies have described the use of exertional supplemental oxygen in heterogeneous study populations. This report characterizes ambulatory gas usage among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exertional hypoxemia.

METHODS

Patients with COPD and exertional hypoxemia were included in blinded N-of-1 randomized controlled trials consisting of 3 pairs (oxygen and placebo) of 2-week treatment periods. Patient-reported and objective equipment measurements of cylinder and concentrator usage were collected.

RESULTS

Patients (N = 26) self-reported using gas for a median of 1.3 hours per day; measured equipment usage was 1.2 hours per day. Median concentrator use (0.8 hour per day) was significantly greater than cylinder use (0.5 hours per day) (P = .02). Patients may underestimate use by as much 1.9 hours per day or overestimate it by as much as 2.4 hours per day. The correlation coefficient between the magnitude of gas usage and the difference between the 2 estimates was 0.63 (P = .0006). As duration of gas use increased, the discrepancy between patient-reported usage and equipment gas usage increased. Below 2 hours per day, differences between patient-reported and equipment measurements were small.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with COPD and exertional hypoxemia used little more than an hour of ambulatory oxygen daily, mostly from concentrators. Individual self-reported values are reasonably accurate under 2 hours per day but inaccurate for more prolonged use.

Effect of Oxygen on Health Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Transient Exertional Hypoxemia

RATIONALE

Ambulatory oxygen improves acute exercise performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This improvement may not translate into symptomatic benefit for patients during activities of daily living.

OBJECTIVES

We undertook a series of individual randomized controlled trials (N-of-1 RCTs) to measure the effect of oxygen in patients with COPD who do not meet criteria for mortality reduction with long-term oxygen therapy.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients completed blinded N-of-1 RCTs, each comprising three pairs of 2-week home treatment periods, with oxygen provided during one period of each pair and a placebo mixture during the other.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients completed the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and a home five-minute-walk test at the end of each period. We defined a positive response as a CRQ dyspnea score greater (less dyspnea) on oxygen than placebo during all three pairs of treatment periods, with a difference >or= 0.5 inches for at least two treatment pairs. Oxygen significantly increased the five-minute-walk test (427 vs. 412 steps, p = 0.04). Two of 27 patients met the responder criteria. Among the whole group, neither the CRQ nor the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire showed any statistical or clinical differences between oxygen and placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

This study does not support the general application of long-term ambulatory oxygen therapy for patients with COPD who do not meet criteria for mortality reduction with long-term oxygen therapy. N-of-1 RCTs can identify patients who may benefit.

Oxygen therapy during exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Exercise training within the context of pulmonary rehabilitation improves outcomes of exercise capacity, dyspnea and health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Supplemental oxygen in comparison to placebo increases exercise capacity in patients performing single-assessment exercise tests. The addition of supplemental oxygen during exercise training may enable individuals with COPD to tolerate higher levels of activity with less exertional symptoms, ultimately improving quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To determine how supplemental oxygen in comparison to control (compressed air or room air) during the exercise-training component of a pulmonary rehabilitation program affects exercise capacity, dyspnea and health-related quality of life in individuals with COPD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

All records in the Cochrane Airways Group Specialized Register of trials coded as 'COPD' were searched using the following terms: (oxygen* or O2*) AND (exercis* or train* or rehabilitat* or fitness* or physical* or activ* or endur* or exert* or walk* or cycle*). Searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases identified studies. The last search was carried out in June 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oxygen-supplemented exercise training to non-supplemented exercise training (control group) were considered for inclusion. Participants were 18 years or older, diagnosed with COPD and did not meet criteria for long-term oxygen therapy. No studies with mixed populations (pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, etc) were included. Exercise training was greater than or equal to three weeks in duration and included a minimum of two sessions a week.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion in the review and extracted data. Weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Missing data were requested from authors of primary studies.

MAIN RESULTS

Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The maximum number of studies compared in the meta-analysis was three (31 on oxygen versus 32 control participants), because all included studies did not measure the same outcomes. When two studies were pooled, statistically significant improvements of oxygen-supplemented exercise training were found in constant power exercise time, WMD 2.68 minutes (95% CI 0.07 to 5.28 minutes). Supplemental oxygen increased the average exercise time from 6 to 14 minutes; the control intervention increased average exercise time from 6 to 12 minutes. Constant power exercise end-of-test Borg score (on a scale from 1 to 10) also showed statistically significant improvements with oxygen-supplemented exercise training, WMD -1.22 units (95% CI -2.39 to -0.06). One study showed a significant improvement in the change of Borg score after the shuttle walk test, by -1.46 units (95% CI -2.72 to -0.19). There were no significant differences in maximal exercise outcomes, functional exercise outcomes (six-minute walk test), shuttle walk distance, health-related quality of life or oxygenation status. According to the GRADE system most outcomes were rated as low quality because they were limited by study quality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review provides little support for oxygen supplementation during exercise training for individuals with COPD, but the evidence is very limited. Studies with larger number of participants and strong design are required to permit strong conclusions, especially for functional outcomes such as symptom alleviation, health-related quality of life and ambulation.

The development of a helpline for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

BACKGROUND

The goal of the helpline is to assist individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) better manage their disease through improved understanding of COPD, its symptoms and treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this project was to develop and validate a protocol for a COPD helpline.

METHODS

Ten key informants with expertise in helpline development or COPD were interviewed. Fifty individuals with COPD participated in content validation of the protocol.

RESULTS

An initial protocol for the helpline aimed to provide: (1) information and education regarding COPD and its management via the telephone and with written materials; (2) guidance regarding course of management; (3) resource links to other support services and programs locally, provincially, and/or nationally; and (4) caring support and reassurance to those with COPD and their families. The majority of the calls from individuals with COPD sought medical information (74%) and required 36.6 +/- 14.5 min (range: 15-85) to complete. Many different topics were discussed, with medication and exercise being the most common. The availability of the call center was identified as one means of replacing information sought from other health care providers, mainly physicians and pulmonary rehabilitation staff.

CONCLUSION

A protocol of a helpline for COPD has been developed based on the literature, theoretical knowledge, and input from key informants and individuals with COPD.

Development and testing of formal protocols for oxygen prescribing

The absence of standardized assessment protocols with well- defined measurement properties limits comparison of outcomes among those receiving long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). We describe simple protocols for a hospital test, a simulated home test, and an actual home test, their reliability and relationship to each other. Stable patients with exercise hypoxemia participated. In 74 patients who completed four exercise tests, correlations between tests ranged from 0.85 to 0.78. Of these 27.0% had the same prescription from all four tests. In 46% prescriptions were within 1 L/ min and in 27% within 2 L/min. During exercise the hospital tests suggested slightly higher oxygen prescriptions than did the simulated home tests (2.5 L/min versus 2.0 L/min, p < 0.001). In 23 patients who participated in actual home assessments, the correlations between the home test, the hospital, and the simulated home tests were 0.22 (95% CI -0.24 to 0.67) and 0.27 (95% CI -0.18 to 0.72). In conclusion, standardizing tests for the assessment of LTOT is important. We describe simple hospital and simulated home tests that are reproducible, easy to carry out, and correlate well with each other.