Acute exacerbation of COPD: Physiotherapy practice and factors that influence management

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa. Physiotherapy practice and factors that influence management of patients with AECOPD are unknown.

To explore physiotherapy practice in the management of patients with AECOPD in South African private healthcare settings and to identify and describe factors that influence physiotherapy patient management.

The study adopted a qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to identify physiotherapists working in private healthcare in three South African provinces. Individual interviews were conducted face-to-face or via telephone and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was done using an inductive approach.

Participants (n = 9) working in private hospitals reported that their management is based on patient-specific needs assessment. Treatment interventions included various respiratory physiotherapy techniques and exercise rehabilitation strategies. Patient education on self-management of disease symptoms featured prominently. Enablers of physiotherapy management included supportive workplace relations, conducive work environment, physiotherapists' competence, familial support and patient cooperation. Barriers identified included limited communication, nurses' attitudes, work environment, disease burden, mental health challenges and limited professional development opportunities.

Physiotherapists provide individual needs-based care to patients with AECOPD. Various enablers and barriers to physiotherapy patient management have been identified.

Advocacy for physiotherapy, better communication between multidisciplinary team members and recognition of the need for psychological support are important factors to address to enhance the care provided to patients with AECOPD.