A review of chest physiotherapy in neonatal intensive care units in Australia

Abstract

Clinical techniques and protocols for chest physiotherapy vary greatly from one Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to another. In 1988 a questionnaire designed to investigate differing techniques used was distributed to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) around Australia. Fourteen of the 15 questionnaires were completed and returned. The results revealed that the methods of chest treatment and the indicators for commencing chest treatment were similar throughout NICU. Both physiotherapists and nursing staff played a role in the performance of chest treatment in all but one unit where it was the responsibility of nursing staff. However, the area in which there was most variability between NICU was the individual treatment protocols employed pre- and postextubation of the neonate. A review of literature over the past 10 years also demonstrates variability in chest physiotherapy. It was concluded that further well-controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate the use of chest physiotherapy for the neonate, especially in relation to the techniques and specific protocols employed.

Expiratory Flow Increase Technique and Acid Esophageal Exposure in Infants Born Preterm With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

“…3 Our study showed a different result. In both groups, RI was higher in the 2nd postprandial hour than in the 3rd postprandial hour, which can be explained by prior acidic ingestion (5% glucose solution).…”

“…2 Although no clear consensus exists, chest physical therapy has been practiced in neonatal intensive care units around the world, especially in patients with chronic lung disease. 3 In neonatal care units, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common cause for respiratory therapy assistance. 4 The prevalence of infants undergoing treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is significant in this patient group.…”

Chest physiotherapy in preterm infants with lung diseases

“…Chest physiotherapy (CPT) has been used to clear secretions, to reduce post-extubation atelectasis, to reduce the use of reintubation, and also to help lung ventilation in newborns with respiratory problems [1-3]. However, concerns about the safety of some forms of chest physiotherapy have been raised, especially for very low birth weight infants (VLBW), due to the risk of brain damage related to some CPT techniques [4].…”

A Survey of Professionally Qualified Physiotherapist Working in Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Units in Punjab

“…In our study out of 25 hospitals 19 (76%) hospitals were having teaching facilities and 6 (24%) hospitals were without teaching facilities. In another study by Lewis et al, 1992, concluded that, methods of chest treatment and the indicators for commencing chest treatment were similar throughout NICU in Australia. Both physiotherapists and nursing staff played a role in chest physiotherapy in all units but in one unit it was the responsibility of the nursing staff.…”