E-Thesis 319 views 1705 downloads
The use of Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) for airways clearance in chronic respiratory conditions / CARWYN BRIDGES
Swansea University Author: CARWYN BRIDGES
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.69796
Abstract
This thesis consists of three intrinsically linked but distinct studies examining the role of airways clearance in chronic lung disease. Study 1: Analysis of UK data collected multicentre prospective cohort study (Bronch-UK) on airways clearance techniques used in routine hospital care 2015-2022 and...
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Swansea, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Lewis, Keir E. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69796 |
| Abstract: |
This thesis consists of three intrinsically linked but distinct studies examining the role of airways clearance in chronic lung disease. Study 1: Analysis of UK data collected multicentre prospective cohort study (Bronch-UK) on airways clearance techniques used in routine hospital care 2015-2022 and factors associated with airway’s clearance choice. Data from 1579 patients showed 70% routinely using airways clearance techniques, which is higher than previously reported. Active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) (77%) and OPEP (38%) being the most common used techniques with 24% using both. No differences in demographics or clinical parameters between those prescribed ACBT versus OPEP. Disease severity was associated with increased use of airways clearance techniques. Study 2: expecToratIon of sPutum Techniques real wOrld data in coPd (TIPTOP): A pilot randomised control trial study comparing two airways clearance techniques, ACBT versus OPEP (Aerobika). Recruiting patients that were experiencing an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within 3 days from hospital wards or emergency clinics. 19 received OPEP 23 received ACBT, the study struggled to recruit to target and retain data. Although both groups improved significantly and clinically importantly from baseline (during exacerbation), we found no difference in the primary outcome of Leicester cough questionnaire at three months between groups. Study 3: Three online focus groups explored views on OPEP and what improvements could be made, especially remote monitoring. The 1st group consisted of respiratory physiotherapists working in the NHS with experience prescribing airways clearance techniques in the real word; the 2nd and 3rd focus group was 5 and 2 participants respectively with COPD or bronchiectasis. The main findings were that OPEP was well-tolerated by patients and is valued by healthcare professionals. Smart enabled monitoring of OPEP would be beneficial, depending on cost, data security and technical complexity. |
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| Item Description: |
ORCiD identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4181-1913 |
| Keywords: |
Airways Clearance, Oscillatory Positive expiratory pressure, OPEP, Physiotherapy, Respiratory |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
Respiratory innovation Wales /TriTech |