PHYSIO+++: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial assessing the feasibility of physiotherapist-led non-invasive ventilation for patients with hypoxaemia following abdominal surgery.

Introduction: Few clinical trials have investigated physiotherapy interventions to treat hypoxaemia following abdominal surgery. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility and safety of conducting a clinical trial of physiotherapist-led non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Methods And Analysis: This single-centre, 50-patient, parallel-group, assessor blinded, pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation will enrol spontaneously ventilating adults with hypoxaemia within 72 hours of major abdominal surgery.