An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society technical standard: field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease.

Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity, assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases. In recent years, there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests (ISWT and ESWT, respectively). The aim of this document is to describe the standard operating procedures for the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT, which can be consistently employed by clinicians and researchers. The Technical Standard was developed by a multidisciplinary and international group of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the application of field walking tests. The procedures are underpinned by a concurrent systematic review of literature relevant to measurement properties and test conduct in adults with chronic respiratory disease. Current data confirm that the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT are valid, reliable and responsive to change with some interventions. However, results are sensitive to small changes in methodology. It is important that two tests are conducted for the 6MWT and ISWT. This Technical Standard for field walking tests reflects current evidence regarding procedures that should be used to achieve robust results.

An official systematic review of the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society: measurement properties of field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease.

This systematic review examined the measurement properties of the 6-min walk test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) in adults with chronic respiratory disease. Studies that report the evaluation or use of the 6MWT, ISWT or ESWT were included. We searched electronic databases for studies published between January 2000 and September 2013. The 6-min walking distance (6MWD) is a reliable measure (intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.82 to 0.99 in seven studies). There is a learning effect, with greater distance walked on the second test (pooled mean improvement of 26 m in 13 studies). Reliability was similar for ISWT and ESWT, with a learning effect also evident for ISWT (pooled mean improvement of 20 m in six studies). The 6MWD correlates more strongly with peak work capacity (r=0.59-0.93) and physical activity (r=0.40-0.85) than with respiratory function (r=0.10-0.59). Methodological factors affecting 6MWD include track length, encouragement, supplemental oxygen and walking aids. Supplemental oxygen also affects ISWT and ESWT performance. Responsiveness was moderate to high for all tests, with greater responsiveness to interventions that included exercise training. The findings of this review demonstrate that the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT are robust tests of functional exercise capacity in adults with chronic respiratory disease.

Exacerbations of COPD.

COPD exacerbations are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and increased health care expenditures. The recently published Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommendations have further refined the definition of an exacerbation. A better understanding of the risk factors associated with the development of an exacerbation exists, and improvements are being made in earlier detection approaches. Pharmacologic treatment strategies have been the cornerstone of effective therapy. In addition, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies have been proven successful in the prevention of future exacerbations. Newer technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence and wearable monitoring devices, are now being used to help in the earlier detection of exacerbations. Such preventive and earlier detection strategies can help to develop a more personalized care model and improve outcomes for patients with COPD.

Pulmonary comorbidities in cardiac rehabilitation.

Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) benefit greatly from participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Many patients with CVD have a concomitant pulmonary disease, yet the latter is often not diagnosed (and thus undertreated). Means to evaluate and manage patients with concomitant cardiovascular and pulmonary disease will be addressed in this article.

Sleep medicine certification and accreditation.

Sleep-disorders medicine is undergoing substantial evolution in terms of testing and therapy. In order to ensure that the providers of care for patients with sleep disorders provide quality and safe care, various types of individual certification and sleep-disorders-center accreditation programs have been developed. These programs should help to ensure optimal patient care.

The Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention at 40 Years and Its Role in the Evolution of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

While the roots of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) date back to the 1950s, the advent of modern-day PR began in the early 1970s. This commentary describes the important role the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention (JCRP) had in the development of PR. Originally, launched as the Journal of Cardiac Rehabilitation in 1981, with the formation of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the journal's name was changed to the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation in 1986. This commentary summarizes key publications reported in the journal broken down into 3 time periods, as well as the impact of those publications. It also includes summaries of important scientific statements and reviews including those in collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians. The development of successful PR programs has been based on the many publications that have been published in JCRP. Further advances in the field will likely be based on the future publications contained within JCRP.

Medical Director Responsibilities for Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in the United States: 2019: A STATEMENT FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION (AACVPR).

Clinical guidelines have been developed recognizing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as a key component in the management of patients with chronic lung disease. The medical director of a PR program is a key player in every program and is a requirement for operation of the program. The medical director must be a licensed physician who has experience in respiratory physiology management. The purpose of this document is to provide an update regarding the clinical, programmatic, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact PR medical directors in North America. It describes the clinical rationale for physician involvement, relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, and resources available that the medical director can utilize to promote evidence-based and cost-effective PR services. All pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs must include a medical director. There are many clinical, programmatic, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact the PR medical director. The purpose of this document is to concentrate on the unique roles and responsibilities of the PR medical director.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: an historical perspective.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a standard of care for patients with chronic lung disease. Through appropriate patient selection and assessment, exercise training, educational and psychosocial intervention, nutritional counseling, and breathing retraining, many benefits (e.g., reduction in level of dyspnea, improvement in exercise tolerance, improvement in health-related quality of life, and reduction in health care resource utilization) are gained by patients who have undergone rehabilitation. From the initial finding of improved patient's capabilities, to times of extreme skepticism and doubt, to the state of being a standard of care, pulmonary rehabilitation has undergone many periods of transformation over the last several decades. This review expands upon previous reviews of the history behind modern-day pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and chronic lung disease: opportunities for the respiratory therapist.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a core component of the management of a patient with chronic lung disease. The respiratory therapist plays a vital role in pulmonary rehabilitation. Identifying patients who are eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation, assessing the individual patient prior to entry into the program, providing education regarding the patient's disease, and actively participating in the exercise and training programs are just a few of the ways that the respiratory therapist can participate in this very important activity for patients with chronic lung disease.

Management of the patient undergoing lung transplantation: an intensive care perspective.

The postoperative management of a patient undergoing lung transplantation involves many components of care. These components include ventilatory and hemodynamic management, immunosuppression, wound care, rehabilitation, infection control and treatment, and early detection of rejection.

The use of hypertonic saline for fluid resuscitation in sepsis: a review.

Early volume resuscitation of a patient with sepsis has been shown to reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource consumption. Hypertonic saline offers a theoretically viable option for volume resuscitation. This article reviews the current information available regarding fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis, with emphasis on the use of hypertonic saline.

2018 Year in Review: Sleep.

Sleep-disordered breathing affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. It is associated with many comorbid conditions, including heart failure and depression. Advances in the field regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing are occurring on an increasing basis. This review will discuss the latest findings in the field with an emphasis on people who have obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep in the intensive care unit setting.

Sleep is essential to human life. Sleep patterns are significantly disrupted in patients who are hospitalized, particularly those in the intensive care unit. Sleep deprivation is pervasive in this patient population and impacts health and recovery from illness. Immune system dysfunction, impaired wound healing, and changes in behavior are all observed in patients who are sleep deprived. Various factors including anxiety, fear, and pain are responsible for the sleep deprivation. Noise, light exposure, and frequent awakenings from caregivers also add to these effects. Underlying medical illnesses and medications can also dramatically affect a patient's ability to sleep efficiently. Therapy with attempts to minimize sleep disruption should be integrated among all of the caregivers. Minimization of analgesics and other medications known to adversely affect sleep should also be ensured. Although further research in the area of sleep deprivation in the intensive care unit setting needs to be conducted, effective protocols can be developed to minimize sleep deprivation in these settings.

Renal replacement therapy in the critical care unit.

Acute renal failure is common in critically ill patients. Many intensive care unit patients require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Hemodialysis can be performed as intermittent treatments or as continuous RRT, which can be customized to clinical goals by the use of carefully designed replacement fluids and hemodialysates. The available forms of RRT are reviewed, with emphasis on the clinical indications that contribute to the choice and design of therapy. Practical issues and troubleshooting are discussed, as are available options for anticoagulation during RRT. Consideration is given to modality choice, hemodynamic issues, costs, and physiologic outcomes.

Office Spirometry in Primary Care for the Diagnosis and Management of COPD: National Lung Health Education Program Update.

The use of office spirometry was recommended by the National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP) consensus conference in 1999 for detection and management of COPD. Since that time, spirometry utilization has increased, but its role in the diagnosis of COPD is still evolving. This update reviews the role of spirometry for screening and case finding in COPD as well as for asthma. Spirometry has been used for disease management in patients with airway obstruction, with varying results. The diagnostic criteria for COPD using spirometry have also evolved in the past 17 years, with differences arising between the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and NLHEP recommendations. More sophisticated spirometers as well as new reference equations are widely available. Standardization guidelines from the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society published in 2005 provide a robust framework for performing and interpreting spirometry, but clinicians still need hands-on training and meaningful feedback to perform high-quality spirometry in the office setting.

Results of a Patient Survey Regarding COPD Knowledge, Treatment Experiences, and Practices With Inhalation Devices.

BACKGROUND: Successful inhalation therapy depends on the ability of patients with COPD to properly use devices. We explored subjects' COPD knowledge, including education they receive from health care providers, treatment experiences, and practices with inhalation devices. METHODS: A multiple-choice online survey, developed by a steering committee of American Thoracic Society clinicians and scientists, was administered to subjects with COPD who were sourced from the Harris Poll Online panel. RESULTS: Of the 254 respondents (mean age 61.8 y; 49% males), most subjects (82%) claimed to understand their disease and available treatments, yet COPD symptoms and causes were well known to only 45% and 44% of subjects, respectively. Forty-three percent of subjects had ever used a pressurized metered-dose inhaler or dry-powder inhaler. Of the 54% of subjects who had ever used a small-volume nebulizer (SVN), 63% considered this device to be easy to use, 55% considered it to be fast-acting, 53% considered it to be convenient, and 38% considered it to be essential for treatment. Among subjects who had ever used them, SVNs were preferred by 54% over other devices. One third of subjects desired more extensive education during office visits; 25% felt the time was insufficient to cover questions, and 15% felt their concerns about COPD treatment(s) were ignored. Subjects believed physicians (32%), nurses (26%), and no single provider (28%) were primarily responsible for training and assessing proper inhalation technique. CONCLUSION: The survey showed differences between patients' beliefs and knowledge of COPD; the need for continuous education from health care providers, particularly on inhalation devices; and extensive use of pressurized metered-dose inhalers and dry-powder inhalers despite positive perceptions of SVNs.

Results of a Pulmonologist Survey Regarding Knowledge and Practices With Inhalation Devices for COPD.

BACKGROUND: COPD guidelines advise on inhaled medication use, yet no advice is offered on when to use and which type of patient could benefit from a specific delivery device. We investigated pulmonologists' perception of their knowledge and practices with delivery devices for COPD management. METHODS: An online survey was designed by a steering committee of American Thoracic Society clinicians and scientists and conducted by a national market research firm between January 7 and 29, 2016. RESULTS: Two hundred and five respondents completed the survey. Nearly 80% of the respondents believed that they were very knowledgeable in COPD management and the use of medications; 68% believed that they were knowledgeable about preventing exacerbations. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents stated that they were at least somewhat knowledgeable about devices. Many respondents (70%) stated that small-volume nebulizers were more effective than dry powder inhalers and pressurized metered-dose inhalers in the management of COPD exacerbations, and 63% believed that these were more effective in severe COPD (modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale grade 4). Only 54% of the respondents discussed device options with their patients. Physician screening for physical or cognitive impairments that could impact device choices was 53% and 16%, respectively. Seventy percent of the respondents discussed device use, whereas 9% discussed cleaning and storage during a patient's first visit. Few respondents were very knowledgeable in teaching patients how to use devices (43%) and, specifically, how to use (32%) or clean and/or maintain (20%) small-volume nebulizers. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents were confident in their knowledge about treating COPD. Fewer respondents were confident about the use and maintenance of inhalation devices, and most respondents desired to learn more about inhalation devices.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Joint ACCP/AACVPR Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a standard of care for patients with chronic lung diseases. This document provides a systematic, evidence-based review of the pulmonary rehabilitation literature that updates the 1997 guidelines published by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. METHODS: The guideline panel reviewed evidence tables, which were prepared by the ACCP Clinical Research Analyst, that were based on a systematic review of published literature from 1996 to 2004. This guideline updates the previous recommendations and also examines new areas of research relevant to pulmonary rehabilitation. Recommendations were developed by consensus and rated according to the ACCP guideline grading system. RESULTS: The new evidence strengthens the previous recommendations supporting the benefits of lower and upper extremity exercise training and improvements in dyspnea and health-related quality-of-life outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation. Additional evidence supports improvements in health-care utilization and psychosocial outcomes. There are few additional data about survival. Some new evidence indicates that longer term rehabilitation, maintenance strategies following rehabilitation, and the incorporation of education and strength training in pulmonary rehabilitation are beneficial. Current evidence does not support the routine use of inspiratory muscle training, anabolic drugs, or nutritional supplementation in pulmonary rehabilitation. Evidence does support the use of supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with severe hypoxemia at rest or with exercise. Noninvasive ventilation may be helpful for selected patients with advanced COPD. Finally, pulmonary rehabilitation appears to benefit patients with chronic lung diseases other than COPD. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial new evidence that pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. Several areas of research provide opportunities for future research that can advance the field and make rehabilitative treatment available to many more eligible patients in need.

Individualizing the selection of long-acting bronchodilator therapy for patients with COPD: considerations in primary care.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition encountered in primary care settings. COPD remains the third leading cause of death in the United States and carries a significant burden to both patients and the healthcare system. COPD is a chronic, progressive, irreversible lung disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Proper assessment and diagnosis requires spirometry which is currently underutilized in primary care. Management is focused on adequate symptom control, improving quality of breathing and quality of life, and preventing exacerbations and hospitalizations. However, many patients are not receiving long-acting bronchodilator maintenance therapy as recommended in current clinical guidelines. Even when patients receive appropriate therapy, real-world issues such as a patient's health literacy, physical and cognitive limitations, and therapy nonadherence limit the effectiveness of prescribed inhaled medications. Primary care providers are well situated to ensure that prescribed therapies and long-term management goals are matched to the individual needs of patients with COPD.