PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Teresa A Volsko
TI  - Airway Clearance Therapy: Finding the Evidence
AID  - 10.4187/respcare.02590
DP  - 2013 Oct 01
TA  - Respiratory Care
PG  - 1669--1678
VI  - 58
IP  - 10
4099  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/58/10/1669.short
4100  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/58/10/1669.full
AB  - Disease processes can impair ciliary function, alter secretion production and mucus rheology, and interfere with the cough reflex. Airway clearance therapy has been a cornerstone of therapy aimed at minimizing the devastating effects of airway obstruction, infection, and inflammation due to mucus stasis on the conducting airways and lung parenchyma. Although challenges to performing clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of airway clearance therapeutic modalities exist, resources are available in the literature. In addition to device evaluations and original clinical research, the expert opinion, systematic reviews, and evidence-based practice guidelines can be found. These tools can be used to develop protocols and pathways to guide our practice. Monitoring and reporting patient, process, and financial outcomes are essential steps germane to the implementation of evidence-based care.