Evaluating Respiratory Therapist Perspectives on a Combination IS and PEP Device for Post-Op Patients

Abstract

Background:

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) can affect patient outcomes, mortality rates, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and healthcare costs. Incentive spirometry (IS) and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) are often prescribed postoperatively for lung expansion and secretion clearance, respectively, and may reduce PPCs. The incentive positive expiratory pressure (iPEP) device combines the functions of both IS and PEP. The purpose of this study was to explore the beliefs and perceived effectiveness of the iPEP device versus the combination of a traditional IS device and PEP device among respiratory therapists (RT) who provide postoperative care to patients.

Methods:

Each participant attended an in-service on the use of the iPEP conducted by the researchers. The in-service utilized educational resources available from the iPEP device manufacturer. Following the in-service, RTs completed a survey regarding perceived effectiveness, ease of use and patient adherence for the iPEP as compared to IS and PEP devices. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions.

Results:

The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board. Following the in-service, 43 completed surveys were returned. RTs preferred iPEP over traditional IS and PEP with 77.5% recommending iPEP for use in postoperative patients. RTs rated the iPEP highly (mean >3.8) in all seven categories surveyed on a 5-point Likert scale. Participants commented that the use of one device to complete two therapies may increase patient adherence and decrease treatment time, but had concerns with the inability to change resistance of PEP oscillation, the increased number of steps to use iPEP, and the need for patients to have strong breath control for proper use of therapy.

Conclusions:

RTs believe the iPEP may be beneficial to address PPCs, which suggests that evaluating patient preference for postoperative devices and determining clinical benefit of the iPEP are important next steps. Disclosures: None.