Expanded central role of the respiratory physiotherapists in the community setting

Abstract

The development of community hubs through the Slaintecare initiative will rely on respiratory physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists for the management of chronic respiratory diseases. The role of the respiratory physiotherapist has evolved dramatically over the last decade. We review the increasing scope of practice of the physiotherapist and the evidence base for same. We pay particular attention to the role of the physiotherapist in areas such as pulmonary rehabilitation, sputum clearance, neuromuscular disease, chronic respiratory failure, ambulatory oxygen assessments and dysfunctional breathing. We give an in depth review of sputum clearance techniques. We also address areas of potential future expansion for the role of the physiotherapist such as prescription and initiation of non-invasive ventilation.