Endorsed by the International Physiotherapy Group / Cystic Fibrosis (IPG/CF)
Grant support: European Respiratory Society Taskforce Project


Survey results prepared by:

Brenda M. BUTTON Dip Phty, PhD
Country contact person: Australia
Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

Beatrice OBERWALDNER PT gepr. APT Dr
Country contact person: Austria
Klinische Abteilung für Pulmonologie und Allergologie, Univ.-Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Medizinische Universität, Graz, Austria

Statistical analysis & advice relating to collation of results:

Ian STORY PhD
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia


IPG/CF Board Members 1998-2007 who supported the project:
Jennifer Pryor
Carien Beurskens
Louise Lannefors
Maggie McIlwaine
Sandra Gursli
Libuse Smolikova
Jovita Zerlik
Esta Tannenbaum
Filip Van Ginderdeuren

Acknowledgements
The IPG/CF for supporting the project and distributing the questionnaire to the contact physiotherapists in the 40 IPG/CF member countries in 1998 - 2000.

All the country contact physiotherapists in IPG/CF member countries in 1998-2000 who distributed, completed and returned questionnaires for collation and analysis.

Grateful thanks for the editorial comments and suggestions made by Professor Maximilian Zach from the Klinische Abteilung für Pädiatrische Pulmonologie und Allergologie, Univ.-Kinderklinik, Medizinische Universität, Graz, Austria, and
Professor Andrew Bush from the Royal Brompton Hospital during the preparation of the survey results.

Melissa George, Kate McQueen and Annie Dummett are acknowledged for assistance with data entry from the completed surveys.

Survey summary:
Background: Physiotherapy has traditionally commenced at diagnosis in infants with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of the survey was to determine physiotherapy practice in IPG/CF member countries.
Method: A structured questionnaire was developed by a group of experienced international physiotherapists, members of the IPG/CF. The questionnaire was piloted, revised and mailed internationally. Questions were asked about the demographics of participating CF centres, the physiotherapy organization, experience and practice, the use of newborn screening, the timing of the introduction of physiotherapy, education of carers and infection control practice.
Results: A total of 166 completed questionnaires were returned from 27 countries. CF centre size and therapists’ experience ranged widely. Newborn screening occurred at 43% of centres that completed surveys, physiotherapy was commenced at diagnosis in 77% of centres with newborn screening and 86% of those without screening. Family members were taught by the centre physiotherapist and provided daily physiotherapy at 93% of centres. Patient segregation based on respiratory organisms was widely practiced. Twelve different physiotherapy techniques were prescribed.
Conclusions: The results of the survey found a wide variation in physiotherapy practice.