Physiotherapy-led, community-based airway clearance services for people with chronic lung conditions: a retrospective descriptive evaluation of an existing model of care

Airway clearance interventions are recommended for people with chronic lung conditions and mucus hypersecretion, but there are few published models of care or descriptions of airway clearance service provision. This evaluation describes a dedicated, physiotherapy-led, community-based airway clearance service in a metropolitan local health network. Retrospective evaluation using existing airway clearance service administrative database. All first referrals to the airway clearance service in a 5-year period (1/1/2017 to 31/12/2021). Available service data grouped into four domains: participant demographics, referral demographics, service provision and outcomes. Of the 1335 first referrals eligible for inclusion, 1157 (87%) people attended. Bronchiectasis was the commonest condition (n = 649/1135, 49%). A total of 2996 occasions of service (face to face clinic n = 2108, 70%, phone n = 736, 25%, telehealth n = 99, 3%, home visit n = 53, 2%) were delivered. Airway clearance devices frequently prescribed were the Aerobika (525/1157, 45%), bubble-positive expiratory pressure (263/1157, 23%) and the Acapella (127/1157, 11%). On average, initial appointment with the airway clearance service occurred within 36 days of referral and people attended the service three times. Individuals voluntarily completed both pre/post service questionnaires around a third of the time. At least half of responders reported an improvement in respiratory symptom outcome measures consistent with the minimum clinically important difference. This evaluation describes an airway clearance service as it exists, providing an example from which airway clearance services can be planned, implemented and improved.