Patient experience of an airway clearance technique in a UK university hospital setting

Abstract

Introduction To gain insight into patient experiences using an airway clearance technique in a heterogeneous patient group with neuromuscular disease. The lung volume recruitment bag(LVR)utilises positive pressure to augment inspiratory volume and increase cough strength.

Method Patients responded to a telephone questionnaire carried out by university members. Our study group was 8 patients aged 21-79 with either SMA, muscular dystrophy, motor neuron disease or spinal cord lesions. All patients had received a LVR bag within the past year and had been taught how to use it by a respiratory physiotherapist.

Results

Discussion To our knowledge this is the first report of patient satisfaction using the innovative LVR bag. 6/8 patients were able to clear sputum more easily after using the LVR bag. 7/8 patients found the verbal instructions easy to follow and strongly agreed/agreed that the bag was easy to use. In 7/8 patients, the technique required the assistance of a carer. Our study shows the LVR bag is easy to use and aids patient sputum clearance. Therefore, this technique warrants further investigation in a larger population with a wider range of conditions.