Clinical usage of non-invasive ventilation by physical therapists in cystic fibrosis centres across Australia: A cross-sectional survey study

BACKGROUND: This study investigated clinical usage of non-invasive ventilation during physical therapy for people with cystic fibrosis. Specific research questions were: 1. What are the clinical indications, contraindications and patient selection criteria for non-invasive ventilation use as an adjunct to physical therapy in people with cystic fibrosis? 2. Who implements non-invasive ventilation, what settings are used and how are they determined? 3. What outcome measures are used to determine the effectiveness of non-invasive ventilation as an adjunct to physical therapy and what are the main benefits and complications? METHODS: A purpose-designed survey was sent to 23 Australian cystic fibrosis centres. RESULTS: Fifteen centres (65%) responded, with 13 reporting current utilization of non-invasive ventilation to assist physical therapy. Non-invasive ventilation was most commonly (85%) used in patients with lung function <40% predicted. Physical therapy clinical indications included shortness of breath at rest (100%) and during airway clearance (100%), and fatigue during airway clearance (100%). Physical therapists were responsible for initiating non-invasive ventilation (62%), setting up (85%) and determining settings (62%). Bi-level ventilation was the only chosen ventilation mode. Benefits reported included improved ease of airway clearance (100%), reduced fatigue (92%) and decreased dyspnoea (85%). Only one complication of haemoptysis was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive ventilation was used during physical therapy in people with cystic fibrosis who had severe disease, mostly during airway clearance to improve tolerability of treatment. Australian physical therapists initiated non-invasive ventilation when people with cystic fibrosis experienced shortness of breath or fatigue during treatment, aligning with current clinical guidelines. Clinical usage was largely consistent across centres, with numerous benefits and few complications reported. Further research is required to explore benefits of non-invasive ventilation use during physical therapy. Keywords: Cystic Fibrosis, Noninvasive Ventilation, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, Physical Therapy, Airway Clearance, Exercise