National survey of physiotherapy and speech & language therapists’ practice for patients with chronic cough in England: patient care optimisation

Abstract

Background: Nonpharmacological treatment for chronic cough(CC) is known to be effective. Physiotherapists(PT) and Speech & language therapists(SLT) deliver care in England, but little is known about clinical practice and whether this is evidence based. Aim: To identify what PT & SLT working clinically with CC patients in England believe is important for patient care optimisation. Methods: A 20 question survey was sent to the 119 NHS Foundation trusts potentially delivering PT & SLT for patients with CC. Within each trust 2 surveys were sent for each hospital and community health centre in its organisation; 1 to each professional head of department (638 in total; 318 SLT and 320 PT). Results: Of the 79 surveys returned 3 were excluded (did not see CC patients), leaving 76 for analysis (n=41 SLT, n=35 PT). The most frequently reported biggest treatment challenge was lack of service management & professional support (n=37), patient engagement (n=24) and clinician education need (n=10). The most identified barriers to treatment were clinician education need (n=39), service delivery constraints (n=24) and lack of professional support (n=18). Opinions on the required support for more effective care were multi-factorial but had clearly identified themes (figure 1). Conclusion: The identified themes for care optimisation may help shape future nonpharmacological management of CC in England.