Web-Based Physiotherapy Resources for Bronchiectasis: Evaluation of Content, Quality, and Implementation Evidence

For people with bronchiectasis, health information, including guidance on physiotherapy management, is readily accessible online. However, the content and quality of web-based resources, and the enablers and barriers to implementing this information into clinical care, remain unclear. This study aimed to: (1) identify web-based resources providing information on the physiotherapy management of bronchiectasis; (2) evaluate their quality; and (3) explore enablers and barriers to applying web-based information in clinical practice.

A three-stage study was undertaken. Stage 1 involved a search of the World Wide Web using common search engines, during which 3600 web-based resources were screened. Stage 2 evaluated eligible resources using the Health Information Website Evaluation Tool. Stage 3 comprised a nested scoping review of electronic databases to identify published studies evaluating the use or implementation of web-based resources for bronchiectasis in clinical practice.

Nine web-based resources met the inclusion criteria and consistently included information relevant to the physiotherapy management of bronchiectasis, particularly airway clearance techniques and exercise. Six were rated as good quality; two were moderate and one was poor. Three studies met the inclusion criteria for the nested scoping review, including one conference abstract. Across these studies, enablers included comprehensive content, engaging resources, and ease of use, whereas barriers included access difficulties, technology limitations, and limited time for clinical implementation.

The identified web-based resources provide physiotherapy-specific information that may assist clinicians in selecting resources to complement individualised physiotherapy care, reinforce airway clearance and exercise instruction, and support patient education, and self-management in bronchiectasis. Findings from the nested scoping review suggest that addressing access and technology limitations, together with allowing sufficient time for implementation, may facilitate the integration of these resources into clinical care.