Airway clearance services (ACSs) in Australia for adults with chronic lung conditions: scoping review of publicly available web-based information

Abstract

BackgroundConsumers frequently access the internet looking for health information. With the growing burden of chronic disease internationally, strategies are focussing on self-management interventions in community and ambulatory settings. The objective of this scoping review was to describe publicly available information on Australian airway clearance services.MethodsPublicly funded health services network webpages and Google were systematically searched between July and November 2018 using relevant keywords. We identified the number, location and currency of contact information of services; and described the services that were in operation and/or identifiable on the internet. Where specific airway clearance services were not identifiable via searching methods, webpages were navigated for associated physiotherapy services. All identified services were contacted via the listed phone or email to confirm web-based findings.ResultsSearching 131 publicly funded health service pages and 191 keyword hits identified four publicly funded airway clearance services (two of which were in operation when confirmed by direct contact) and six private services, all in metropolitan areas of capital cities. Webpages described who their services were for (9/10 services), how to gain referral (4/10) and types of airway clearance techniques available (5/10). A further 286 public physiotherapy services were identified, of which 24 (8%) included descriptors of service provision for respiratory patients on their webpage. In contrast, on direct telephone enquiry airway clearance intervention of some kind was confirmed as being available at 174/286 (61%) sites and unavailable at 69/286 (24%) sites.ConclusionsThis scoping review demonstrated inconsistencies between airway clearance service information available on the internet and the reported provision of services confirmed by direct phone contact. Services that are available need to make information visible to consumers on the internet and include details such as referral pathways, interventions and current contact details, to support people with airway clearance problems to access appropriate care in the community.

Physiotherapists’ use of airway clearance techniques during an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis: a survey study

“…However, the final number of responses received (121) was very similar to the raw numbers achieved in previous surveys of Australian and New Zealand physiotherapists working with individuals with chronic respiratory conditions [ 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, a previous study investigating ACTs services for individuals in Australia reported 184 services available, which is similar to the final number of responses received, however it is unable to be determined how many different services are represented in this study [ 31 ]. The survey remained open for 8 months to maximise participation numbers, however, this may have influenced the data collected, as clinical practice may have changed over time.…”

Australian airway clearance services for adults with chronic lung conditions: A national survey

“…Using the sampling frame from a systematic scoping review of Australian ACSs ensured that invitations to participate reached existing and potential service providers. 6 The process of obtaining site specific governance approval, and in particular liaising directly with potential participants, was one of the strengths of this study that contributed to the response rate and quality of responses received. The most comparable surveys have response rates of 85% 13 and 72%, 40 however, survey response rates of 70% or higher are considered good and well above the average medical practitioner response rate of less than 30%.…”

“…The sample comprised 189 (176 public health services; 13 private providers) potential participants identified by a scoping study conducted by the same authors. 6 Prior to survey dissemination, potentially eligible services were contacted to nominate a single survey respondent (physiotherapist or registered nurse). Services were eligible for inclusion if they currently provided an ACS to adults with chronic lung conditions (asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis) irrespective of setting (outpatient, community or home-based).…”

“… 8 , 9 During 2019, a review of publicly available websites identified 296 potential Australian ACSs (290 public health services, six private services) with 189 (176 public sites and 13 private providers) confirmed via direct contact as currently providing an ACS in an outpatient/ambulatory setting. 6 Little is known about the availability or characteristics of ACSs in private and public settings in Australia or internationally. The aim of this study was to describe Australian clinical models for the provision of ACSs for adults with chronic lung conditions.…”

The Perceptions of Telehealth Physiotherapy for People with Bronchiectasis during a Global Pandemic—A Qualitative Study

“…Airway clearance therapies improve secretion clearance, and quality of life [ 5 , 6 ] and reduce the number of acute exacerbations [ 7 ], while exercise therapy improves exercise capacity, quality of life and leads to a longer time to an acute exacerbation [ 8 ]. Up until recently, the most common intervention model for providing the physiotherapy intervention to persons with bronchiectasis was through in-person consultations [ 9 ]. In the global COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of telehealth has escalated to meet consumer requirements, with physiotherapy services rapidly transitioning to telehealth and frequently with limited preparation or staff training [ 10 , 11 ].…”