Respiratory care
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Impulse oscillometry is a method of airway assessment and diagnosis that provides data on lung mechanics. In the literature, studies have used different types of mouthpieces or did not describe the model used for the tests. We sought to compare the 3 most commonly described mouthpieces in terms of test results, comfort, and subject preference. ⋯ A circular mouthpiece coupled with a free-flow piece (B3) appeared to be the most suitable mouthpiece for the impulse oscillometry tests. It assured smaller impedance values for the respiratory system, and subjects expressed the most confidence in using this mouthpiece.
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Incentive spirometry (IS) is widely used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications, despite limited clinical effectiveness data and a lack of standardized use protocols. We sought to evaluate health care professionals' perspectives on IS effectiveness and use procedures. ⋯ There was a major discrepancy between health care professionals' beliefs and the published clinical effectiveness data supporting IS. Despite reported adequate education on IS, variability in what health care professionals believed to be appropriate use underscores the literature's lack of standardization and evidence for specific use procedures.
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Patient adherence is a critical factor for success of patient-administered therapies, including incentive spirometry (IS). Patient adherence with IS is not known, so we sought to evaluate providers' perspectives on the current state of IS adherence and elucidate possible factors hindering patient adherence. ⋯ These findings from a large national survey of health care providers highlight the need for improved IS adherence and indicate that patient forgetfulness may be a large contributor to nonadherence. Efforts aimed at improving IS adherence are warranted.
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The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is commonly performed to assess functional status in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) patterns during 6MWT in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension remain unclear. ⋯ Heart rate and SpO2 change patterns during 6MWT are predominantly associated with pulmonary hemodynamics in subjects with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Evaluating heart rate and SpO2 change patterns during 6MWT may serve as a safe and convenient way to follow the change in pulmonary hemodynamics.