Abstract
Incentive spirometry (IS) is commonly prescribed to reduce pulmonary complications, despite limited evidence to support its benefits and a lack of consensus on optimal protocols for its use. Although numerous studies and meta-analyses have examined the effects of IS on patient outcomes, there is no clear evidence establishing its benefit to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. Clinical practice guidelines advise against the routine use of IS in postoperative care. Until evidence of benefit from well-designed clinical trials becomes available, the routine use of IS in postoperative care is not supported by high levels of evidence.
- incentive spirometry
- review of evidence
- use procedure
- respiratory care
- postoperative care
- compliance
- hospital-acquired pneumonia
- atelectasis
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Adam E M Eltorai MSc, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903. E-mail: adam_eltorai{at}brown.edu.
Mr Eltorai has disclosed a relationship with Springer and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Dr Hess has disclosed relationships with Philips Respironics, Ventec Life Systems, Jones and Bartlett, McGraw-Hill, UpToDate, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr Daniels has disclosed relationships with DePuy, Globus Medical, Orthofix, Inc., Springer, and Stryker. The other authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
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