A systematic review of clinometric properties of tools used to measure the effects of chest physiotherapy in mechanically ventilated infants and children 0-16 years

Abstract

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the clinimetric properties of measurement tools used to quantity the effect of chest physiotherapy (CPT) in ventilated infants and children. METHODS: Design: Systematic review. Setting and Participants: Included studies measured one or more effects of CPT on ventilated infants and children < 16 years. Intervention: CPT, as defined as any single or combination of techniques used for airway clearance. Outcome Measures: Clinimetric properties were assessed for identified measurement tools using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments. RESULTS: Eight measurement tools were identified that measured CPT effects on secretion clearance, respiratory mechanics, gas exchange and radiological appearance of the lung. No tools were identified that were capable of measuring ventilation distribution. From the eight identified tools, four reported clinimetric data although the yield and overall quality of studies was low. The CO2SMO Plus respiratory mechanics monitor was found to have the most reported clinimetric data though the quality of studies investigating these clinimetric properties was low. CONCLUSION: Although numerous tools are used to report/measure the effects of CPT in ventilated infants and children, study quality was low and no single tool was identified as gold standard. Further research is needed to investigate or develop new and more appropriate tools to measure CPT effects in ventilated children.L6347727872021-04-21 <br />