Bernie Bissett

Specific inspiratory muscle training is safe in selected patients who are ventilator-dependent: A case series

BACKGROUND Mechanical ventilation of intensive care patients results in inspiratory muscle weakness. Inspiratory muscle training may be useful, but no studies have specifically described the physiological response to training. RESEARCH QUESTIONS Is inspiratory muscle training with a threshold device safe in selected ventilator-dependent patients? Does inspiratory muscle strength increase with high-intensity inspiratory muscle training in ventilator-dependent patients? DESIGN Prospective cohort study of 10 medically stable ventilator-dependent adult patients. SETTING Tertiary adult intensive care unit. METHODS Inspiratory muscle training 5-6 days per week with a threshold device attached to the tracheostomy without supplemental oxygen. OUTCOME MEASURES Physiological response to training (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate), adverse events, training pressures. RESULTS No adverse events were recorded in 195 sessions studied. For each patients second training session, no significant changes in heart rate (Mean Difference 1.3 bpm, 95% CI -2.7 to 5.3), mean arterial pressure (Mean Difference -0.9 mmHg, 95% CI -6.4 to 4.6), respiratory rate (Mean Difference 1.2 bpm, 95% CI -1.1 to 3.5 bpm) or oxygen saturation (Mean Difference 1.2%, 95% CI -0.6 to 3.0) were detected Training pressures increased significantly (Mean Difference 18.6 cmH(2)O, 95% CI 11.8-25.3). CONCLUSION Threshold-based inspiratory muscle training can be delivered safely in selected ventilator-dependent patients without supplemental oxygen. Inspiratory muscle training is associated with increased muscle strength, which may assist ventilatory weaning.

Inspiratory muscle training to enhance recovery from mechanical ventilation: a randomised trial

Background In patients who have been mechanically ventilated, inspiratory muscles remain weak and fatigable following ventilatory weaning, which may contribute to dyspnoea and limited functional recovery. Inspiratory muscle training may improve inspiratory muscle strength and endurance following weaning, potentially improving dyspnoea and quality of life in this patient group. Methods We conducted a randomised trial with assessor-blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Following 48 hours of successful weaning, 70 participants (mechanically ventilated ≥7 days) were randomised to receive inspiratory muscle training once daily 5 days/week for 2 weeks in addition to usual care, or usual care (control). Primary endpoints were inspiratory muscle strength and fatigue resistance index (FRI) 2 weeks following enrolment. Secondary endpoints included dyspnoea, physical function and quality of life, post-intensive care length of stay and in-hospital mortality. Results 34 participants were randomly allocated to the training group and 36 to control. The training group demonstrated greater improvements in inspiratory strength (training: 17%, control: 6%, mean difference: 11%, p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in FRI (0.03 vs 0.02, p=0.81), physical function (0.25 vs 0.25, p=0.97) or dyspnoea (−0.5 vs 0.2, p=0.22). Improvement in quality of life was greater in the training group (14% vs 2%, mean difference 12%, p=0.03). In-hospital mortality was higher in the training group (4 vs 0, 12% vs 0%, p=0.051). Conclusions Inspiratory muscle training following successful weaning increases inspiratory muscle strength and quality of life, but we cannot confidently rule out an associated increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Trial registration number ACTRN12610001089022, results.

Lung Ultrasound for Critical Care Physiotherapists: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND In critical care, part of the physiotherapists respiratory assessment aims to identify parenchymal pulmonary pathology, which may be amenable to respiratory physiotherapy. In addition to clinical assessment, the tools that are most readily available to the respiratory physiotherapist to distinguish between acute pulmonary pathologies include auscultation and chest Xray. The limited diagnostic accuracy of these tools may not allow for the accurate differentiation between conditions such as lung collapse, consolidation and pleural effusion. Although computed tomography allows for this differentiation, it requires patient transport and exposes the patient to increased risk and high levels of radiation. Diagnostic lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a highly sensitive bedside diagnostic tool with high level evidence to support its use for the differentiation of various common acute pulmonary pathologies. In this review, the diagnostic performances of auscultation, chest Xray and LUS are reviewed, and the usefulness of LUS as an adjunct to respiratory physiotherapy assessment is discussed. The issues surrounding training physiotherapists and the implementation of LUS are also explored. METHODS The method used is a narrative review of the literature. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, LUS is not routinely utilized by critical care physiotherapists. However, its superior sensitivity and specificity would enable the physiotherapist to make an accurate, timely and point of care diagnosis of lung pathology and determine whether the pathology is amenable to respiratory physiotherapy.

Mobilization of intensive care patients: a multidisciplinary practical guide for clinicians

Objectives To describe our experience and the practical tools we have developed to facilitate early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) as a multidisciplinary team. Background Despite the evidence supporting early mobilization for improving outcomes for ICU patients, recent international point-prevalence studies reveal that few patients are mobilized in the ICU. Existing guidelines rarely address the practical issues faced by multidisciplinary ICU teams attempting to translate evidence into practice. We present a comprehensive strategy for safe mobilization utilized in our ICU, incorporating the combined skills of medical, nursing, and physiotherapy staff to achieve safe outcomes and establish a culture which prioritizes this intervention. Methods A raft of tools and strategies are described to facilitate mobilization in ICU by the multidisciplinary team. Patients without safe unsupported sitting balance and without ≥3/5 (Oxford scale) strength in the lower limbs commence phase 1 mobilization, including training of sitting balance and use of the tilt table. Phase 2 mobilization involves supported or active weight-bearing, incorporating gait harnesses if necessary. The Plan B mnemonic guides safe multidisciplinary mobilization of invasively ventilated patients and emphasizes the importance of a clearly articulated plan in delivering this valuable treatment as a team. Discussion These tools have been used over the past 5 years in a tertiary ICU with a very low incidence of adverse outcomes (<2%). The tools and strategies described are useful not only to guide practical implementation of early mobilization, but also in the creation of a unit culture where ICU staff prioritize early mobilization and collaborate daily to provide the best possible care. Conclusion These practical tools allow ICU clinicians to safely and effectively implement early mobilization in critically ill patients. A genuinely multidisciplinary approach to safe mobilization in ICU is key to its success in the long term.

Physiotherapist-initiated lung ultrasound to improve intensive care management of a deteriorating patient and prevent intubation: a case report

Abstract Background and purpose: This case report describes the physiotherapy assessments and interventions provided to a 56-year-old male in an Australian intensive care unit. The non-intubated patient suffered from respiratory deterioration, secretion retention, complete opacification of the left hemithorax on chest X-ray (CXR) and widespread coarse crackles on lung auscultation. The addition of lung ultrasound (LUS) facilitated more accurate diagnosis than what was formed on the basis of CXR and lung auscultation resulting in more effective treatment. Methods: The method used is a case report. Written consent was obtained from the patient for these data to be published. Summary: Secretion retention was initially suspected (based on clinical examination and CXR) and treated with airway clearance techniques, patient positioning and nasopharyngeal suction. Even though this assisted with secretion removal, the patient continued to have a high perceived work of breathing and increasing oxygen requirements. Physiotherapist performed LUS, under supervision, and revealed a large pleural effusion (1500 mL), which was then drained by the medical team. Discussion: The addition of LUS to the critical care physiotherapist’s assessment skills may provide clinical benefit. The increased diagnostic accuracy of LUS compared with other routine assessments warrants further investigation.

Inspiratory Muscle Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Adults. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rationale: Respiratory muscle weakness is common in critically ill patients; the role of targeted inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in intensive care unit rehabilitation strategies remains poorly defined. Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to describe the range and tolerability of published methods for IMT. The secondary objectives were to determine whether IMT improves respiratory muscle strength and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized and nonrandomized studies of physical rehabilitation interventions intended to strengthen the respiratory muscles in critically ill adults. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, HealthSTAR, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases (inception to September Week 3, 2017) and conference proceedings (2012 to 2017). Data were independently extracted by two authors and collected on a standardized report form. Results: A total of 28 studies (N = 1,185 patients) were included. IMT was initiated during early mechanical ventilation (8 studies), after patients proved difficult to wean (14 studies), or after extubation (3 studies), and 3 other studies did not report exact timing. Threshold loading was the most common technique; 13 studies employed strength training regimens, 11 studies employed endurance training regimens, and 4 could not be classified. IMT was feasible, and there were few adverse events during IMT sessions (nine studies; median, 0%; interquartile range, 0‐0%). In randomized trials (n = 20), IMT improved maximal inspiratory pressure compared with control (15 trials; mean increase, 6 cm H2O; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5‐8 cm H2O; pooled relative ratio of means, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.25) and maximal expiratory pressure (4 trials; mean increase, 9 cm H2O; 95% CI, 5‐14 cm H2O). IMT was associated with a shorter duration of ventilation (nine trials; mean difference, 4.1 d; 95% CI, 0.8‐7.4 d) and a shorter duration of weaning (eight trials; mean difference, 2.3 d; 95% CI, 0.7‐4.0 d), but confidence in these pooled estimates was low owing to methodological limitations, including substantial statistical and methodological heterogeneity. Conclusions: Most studies of IMT in critically ill patients have employed inspiratory threshold loading. IMT is feasible and well tolerated in critically ill patients and improves both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. The impact of IMT on clinical outcomes requires future confirmation.

Defining new barriers to mobilisation in a highly active intensive care unit – have we found the ceiling? An observational study

Background: Mobilisation of intensive care (ICU) patients attenuates ICU‐acquired weakness, but the prevalence is low (12–54%). Better understanding of barriers and enablers may inform practice. Objectives: To identify barriers to mobilisation and factors associated with successful mobilisation in our medical /surgical /trauma ICU where mobilisation is well‐established. Methods: 4‐week prospective study of frequency and intensity of mobilisation, clinical factors and barriers (extracted from electronic database). Generalized linear mixed models were used to describe associations between demographics, clinical factors and successful mobilisation. Results: 202 patients accounted for 742 patient days. Patients mobilised on 51% of patient days. Most frequent barriers were drowsiness (18%), haemodynamic/respiratory contraindications (17%), and medical orders (14%). Predictors of successful mobilisation included high Glasgow Coma Score (OR = 1.44, 95%CI=[1.29–1.60]), and male sex (OR = 2.29, 95%CI=[1.40–3.75]) but not age (OR = 1.05, 95%CI=[1.01–1.08]). Conclusions: Our major barriers (drowsiness, haemodynamic/respiratory contraindications) may be unavoidable, indicating an upper limit of feasible mobilisation therapy in ICU.

Are we missing opportunities? Physiotherapy and physical activity promotion: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare is an important strategy for increasing PA levels. Physiotherapists are well-positioned to promote PA, however no studies have investigated PA promotion by physiotherapists Australia-wide.MethodsAn online survey of practicing Australian physiotherapists was conducted to investigate knowledge of the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (PASB) guidelines and factors associated with increased promotion frequency. Participants were asked to state the PASB guidelines and a 4-component scoring system was used to measure knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with frequency of promotion.Results257 Australian physiotherapists completed the survey. Only 10% were able to accurately state the PASB guidelines and 54% reported promoting PA to 10 or more patients per month. Males were nearly three times more likely than females to promote PA to 10 or more patients per month (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.25–5.74). Those who lacked counselling skills and felt PA promotion wouldn’t change their patients’ behaviour were much less likely to promote PA.ConclusionAustralian physiotherapists have poor knowledge of the Australian PASB guidelines and infrequently promote PA. Education and training in PA counselling and behaviour change strategies is indicated to enhance PA promotion by Australian physiotherapists.

A wake-up call for physical activity promotion in Australia: results from a survey of Australian nursing and allied health professionals

Objective Nursing and allied health professionals (AHPs) are in an ideal position to promote physical activity (PA) as part of their health care provision. The aim of this study was to investigate current promotion and knowledge of PA among people in these disciplines. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of practicing Australian physiotherapists, nurses, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, dietitians and pharmacists was conducted in 2016. Results A total of 433 nurses and AHPs completed the survey. All disciplines agreed that providing PA advice was part of their role, although nurses were less likely to agree. All disciplines felt they had the skills to promote PA but nurses were more likely to report a lack of time as a barrier. Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists were more confident giving PA advice to patients. Most health professionals (68%) were aware of the PA guidelines, although only 16% were accurately able to describe all relevant components. In logistic regression modelling, women and those working in public hospitals were less likely to encourage PA. Awareness of the PA guidelines doubled the odds of encouraging PA in patients (odds ratio 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.18-3.43). Conclusions Australian nurses and AHPs perceive that PA promotion is part of their role, however few have specific knowledge of the PA guidelines. To increase PA promotion by nurses and AHPs awareness of the PA guidelines appears to be essential. What is known about the topic? Nurses and AHPs are in an ideal position to promote PA, although there is limited evidence of their PA promotion and knowledge. What does the paper add? Australian nurses and AHPs are confident and think it is feasible to promote PA to patients in several healthcare settings but many lack sufficient PA knowledge, limiting their PA promotion. What are the implications for practitioners? Increasing PA knowledge of nurses and AHPs could generate increased levels of PA in the Australian population and improve national health and wellbeing.