Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation: Practice patterns among respiratory therapists in Ontario

Respiratory muscle weakness resulting from conditions such as neuromuscular disease can lead to respiratory infection, hospitalization and serious pulmonary complications. Secretion clearance from the airways is correlated with peak expiratory cough flow, which can be enhanced by physical manoeuvres coupled with manual or mechanical resuscitator devices. Cough-assistance devices, such as the mechanical insufflator-exsufflator, can increase inspiratory lung volumes and peak expiratory cough flows beyond the patient's spontaneous ability and significantly augment lung secretion clearance. This study was prompted by the lack of data regarding current practices and availability of mechanical insufflator-exsufflator devices in Canada.