Suctioning Practices for Physiotherapists - What Does the Evidence Say?

Overview

Airway suctioning is an important yet invasive healthcare treatment technique used to clear secretions in individuals with pulmonary compromise. This procedure is particularly vital in scenarios managed by physiotherapists specializing in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, acute medical settings, or pulmonary rehabilitation. The primary goal of airway suctioning is to effectively clear airway secretions, facilitating improved respiratory function and patient comfort.

Suctioning requires the insertion of a flexible suction catheter into an individual’s oropharynx, nasopharynx, or trachea, followed by the application of negative pressure during catheter withdrawal to remove substances from the airway. Suctioning can be performed directly through the nose or mouth or using an artificial airway, such as an endotracheal tube (ETT), a tracheostomy tube, a nasopharyngeal airway or an oral airway.

Whether in acute care environments, rehabilitation settings, or specialized cardiorespiratory units, the application of suctioning techniques plays a crucial role in optimizing respiratory outcomes and enhancing overall patient well-being. Over the past three decades, multiple systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines for suctioning have been published. Despite this, there is a wide variety in the way that physiotherapists perform tracheal suctioning. In this course, we will establish and reinforce evidence-based suctioning procedures and techniques aimed at maximizing patient outcomes while minimizing the potential for complications.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this online course participants will be able to:

1. Explore techniques and strategies for tracheal suctioning and gain a deep understanding of the best practices in respiratory physiotherapy.

2. Identify indications and contraindications for tracheal suctioning.

3. Anticipate and mitigate potential complications associated with tracheal suctioning by following suction guidelines.

4. Delve into the latest clinical practices guidelines that govern optimal tracheal suctioning practices, ensuring adherence to clinical  standards and promoting patient safety and comfort.

Audience

This respiratory physiotherapy continuing professional development course is highly recommended for physiotherapists who perform tracheal suctioning.

The Presenter: Dr. Erin Miller, PT

Professor Erin Miller is a physiotherapist and assistant professor in the school of physical therapy at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. Dr. Miller completed her PhD from the University of Toronto in Rehabilitation Science focused on the assessment of clinical competence for health care professionals who perform airway suctioning. Erin Miller is passionate about helping to create opportunities for practicing physiotherapists to engage in clinical research and education within the area of cardiorespiratory practice. She has a keen interest in educational scholarship and the use of evidence to inform pedagogical practices.