Aerosol delivery practice in Italian Cystic Fibrosis centres: a national survey

Abstract

BackgroundPhysiotherapists (PTs) are ideally positioned to assist patients and families with inhalation therapies through monitoring, communication and education about available therapies and their proper use; indeed aerosoltherapy management is listed as part of Italian PTs' core competence and in the core syllabus for post-graduate training in respiratory physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to outline the involvement of Italian PTs working in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) centres in the aerosol delivery practice.MethodsPhysiotherapist coordinators (n = 29) of all Italian CF centres were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey and a semi-structured questionnaire was developed and sent by e-mail.ResultsA response rate of 69 % was achieved. The majority of participants were woman and the overall mean professional experience was twenty years. Italian PTs are involved in the aerosol delivery practice, managing education, drug-device combination, dilution and mixing of drugs.ConclusionsPhysiotherapists play a key role in the care of Italian CF patients; nevertheless the Italian Group of Physiotherapists might plan interventions to harmonize the aerosol delivery practice in Italian CF centres and to sustain continuing education.

Hospital staff practical skills and theoretical knowledge in inhaled aerosol therapy: a single centre cross-sectional observational study

“…Consistently, a previous national survey demonstrated the key role of PTs in the aerosol delivery practice in cystic fibrosis. Gambazza et al found that PTs are involved in all aspects of aerosol therapy, from dilution and mixing of drugs to patient and caregiver education [19].…”

Home physiotherapists assisting follow-up treatment in cystic fibrosis: a multicenter observational study

“…For example, an incorrect use of one aerosol device or misunderstanding with the prescribed medication may lead to ineffective lung deposition, resulting in perceived lack of effect. Patient training and educa- tional interventions are recognized as effective strategies to improve adherence [23], and CF respiratory physiotherapists are indeed positioned to assist patients and families with inhalation therapies [6]. As conceived by the home-care provider, a more relaxed environment like home might be the right setting for supervising aerosol therapy and sustaining educational interventions.…”

“…The European Cystic Fibrosis Society practice guidelines suggest that patients should be reviewed regularly by specialist physiotherapists (PTs) in order to optimize aerosol regimen and review appropriate inhalation techniques [1]. It has been already documented that Italian PTs play a key role in the aerosol delivery management in CF centers, both performing inhaled therapies and educating patients and families to their use [6]. However, limited experience exists about the role of PTs outside CF centers in the care of patients with CF, especially when involved in the management of inhaled therapies directly at patients' home.…”

Use of dornase alfa in cystic fibrosis: an Audit of Italian specialists

“…The findings of an Italian survey indicated that physiotherapists play a key role in the care of Italian CF patients, by performing inhaled therapies and educating patients and families to their use 58 . Most physical therapists actively participate and provide hands-on demonstrations to patients and caregivers 58 .…”

“…The findings of an Italian survey indicated that physiotherapists play a key role in the care of Italian CF patients, by performing inhaled therapies and educating patients and families to their use 58 . Most physical therapists actively participate and provide hands-on demonstrations to patients and caregivers 58 . These data are coherent with the role of physiotherapists involved in the respiratory care of cystic fibrosis as outlined in the ECFS standards of care 59 .…”