The physiotherapy management of patients undergoing coronary artery surgery: A questionnaire survey

The current physiotherapy management of patients undergoing coronary artery surgery in 22 public and 13 private hospitals across Australia and New Zealand was examined using a questionnaire survey. Respondents were asked to identify assessment and treatment techniques used in the pre- and post-operative management. An 83 per cent response from physiotherapists was obtained. Ninety-four per cent of respondents reported that pre-operative assessment was performed routinely. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents indicated that all patients were treated routinely by physiotherapists in the post-extubation period. Positioning and deep breathing exercises were the most commonly used techniques for patients post-extubation. Factors determining treatment choice and the impact of research on current physiotherapy practice are discussed.