Respiratory Therapists Perceptions, Research Paper Example

The Acapella is a device used to self-administer respiratory therapy to loosen lung secretions and such that coughing can rid the lungs of excess mucus in patients with chronic lung diseases.  Pressurized air forces the airway open increasing the ability to breathe, while oscillating vibration loosens pulmonary secretions.  While studies show that both mechanical percussion techniques and Acapella flutter valve systems are effective, these two types of systems have not been compared to determine if one is more beneficial than the other.  The purpose of this study was to address this lack of information by obtaining opinions based on firsthand experience from respiratory therapists who had used both mechanical percussion and Acepella in treating individuals with lung diseases that result in the formation of excess lung secretions.  Recruitment was undertaken through an emailed letter sent to 100 respiratory therapists explaining the study and asking them to participate.  Subjects were 39 respiratory therapists who agreed to complete the study and had experience using both Acapella and mechanical percussion.  Subjects competed a 10 item survey which asked them about their experiences with the two systems as well as their opinions about the efficacy and efficiency of each.  Results indicated that the majority of therapists surveyed believed that Acapella frequently promoted a moderate amount of sputum, took less time to administer and resulted in fewer complications compared to mechanical percussion.  Results also demonstrated that most of the therapists felt that patients using the Acapella showed improved outcomes after a shorter time span compared to mechanical percussion.  Future research should utilize statistical analyses to determine actual differences between the Acapella, and mechanical percussion.  Different apparatuses within each group should also be examined.  Finally, regression models should be designed to allow for the prediction of patient therapy outcomes.