Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation Wang M. Airway clearance techniques for patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a rapid review. Toronto: Health Quality Ontario (HQO). Rapid Review. 2015 Authors' conclusions One systematic review was included that examined airway clearance techniques for patients with stable COPD.
The 19 studies (4 of which were only available as abstracts) were generally of low quality, based on risk of bias assessment; due to the heterogeneity in study design, interventions, and reporting, the evidence could not be analyzed using GRADE for our specific outcomes of interest.
Thirteen of the 19 studies showed potential improvement through the use of airway clearance techniques for patients with stable COPD for the following outcomes: exacerbations, hospitalizations, health-related quality of life, pulmonary function, gas exchange, symptoms, sputum clearance, exercise tolerance, or antibiotic use; but there were considerable study limitations and differences in techniques examined.
Further well-designed studies are required to determine with certainty the effectiveness of airway clearance techniques for patients with stable COPD.
Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiratory Therapy Language Published English Country of organisation Canada English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence Evidence Development and Standards, Health Quality Ontario, 130 Bloor Street West, 10th floor, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S 1N5 Email: EDSinfo@hqontario.ca AccessionNumber 32015000487 Date abstract record published 15/04/2015 |