Performance of manual hyperinflation: consistency and modification of the technique by intensive care unit nurses during physiotherapy.

Aims And Objectives: To assess the consistency and safety of manual hyperinflation delivery by nurses of variable clinical experience using a resuscitator bag during physiotherapy treatment.

Background: Manual hyperinflation involves the delivery of larger than normal gas volumes to intubated patients and is routinely used by nurses in collaboration with physiotherapists for the management of retained sputum. The aim is to deliver slow deep breaths with an inspiratory hold without unsafe airway pressures, lung volumes or haemodynamic changes.

A survey of the use of ventilator hyperinflation in Australian tertiary intensive care units.

Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of use of ventilator hyperinflation (VHI) by physiotherapists practising in tertiary Australian intensive care units in the management of artificially ventilated patients, and whether standard protocols are in place in these facilities.

Design, Setting And Participants: A prospective, multicentre prevalence survey of 64 Australian hospitals with tertiary ICU facilities and physiotherapists. The cohort was compiled from details provided by the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation.