Knowledge and experience of physiotherapists on non-invasive ventilation - doi:10.5020/18061230.2011.p214

Abstract

Objective: To compare knowledge and experience in non-invasive ventilation (NIV) among physiotherapists of hospital wards and adult Intensive Care Units (ICU). Methods: A study conducted from August/2007 to August/ 2008, in four public hospitals in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, with 116 physiotherapists (42/wards and 76/ICU) on their practical and theoretical knowledge on NIV, with open and closed questions. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17. Results: Regarding the use of NIV, 22 of 42 physiotherapists from the wards and one of 74 from the ICU never administered it (p<0.05); 19 (45%) of physiotherapists from the wards and 58 (78%) from the ICU answered correctly on NIV as first choice; 18 (43%) physiotherapists from the wards and 64 (86%) from the ICU answered properly on physiological effects (p<0.05); 21 (50%) physiotherapists from the wards and 68 (92%) from the ICU answered appropriately on indications of NIV (p <0.05); 19 (45%) physiotherapists from wards and 71 (96%) from ICU answered correctly on contraindications of NIV (p <0.05); 8 (19%) physiotherapists in the wards and 36 (49%) in the ICU considered infrastructure satisfactory. In the ICU, 68 (92%) physiotherapists believed they were able to monitor NIV, in wards 13 (31%) did it (p <0.05). Conclusions: Physiotherapists of the ICU showed more experience regarding the administration of NIV; they had the knowledge and believed they were more apt to use it than those of the wards. As the physiotherapist is directly involved in this therapeutics, the knowledge and practice of NIV can be better exploited in the ICU and wards.