WS08.1 Aerosol delivery practice in Italian cystic fibrosis centres – a national survey

Background Effective administration of aerosolized medications depends on the patient's age, physical and cognitive ability, the delivery system and the patient-device interface. Physiotherapists (PTs) are ideally positioned to assist patients and families with inhalation therapies through monitoring, communication and education about the available therapies and their proper use and indeed aerosol therapy management is listed as part of Italian PTs’ core competence. Objective To survey and outline the involvement of Italian physiotherapists working in CF centres in the aerosol delivery practice and to understand how inhaled drugs are administered. Methods Physiotherapist coordinators (n = 29) of all Italian CF centres were invited to participate and a semi-structured questionnaire was developed and sent by e-mail to survey their practice. These physiotherapists were identified using the email list of the Italian Group of Physiotherapists, belonging to the Italian Society for the Study of Cystic Fibrosis. Results A response rate of 69% was achieved. Italian PTs are deeply involved in the practice of aerosol delivery however the survey revealed that there is space for improvement. Educational strategies, right drug-device combination, correct dilution and mixing of drugs are still areas to be improved. Conclusion The Italian Group of Physiotherapists might consider interventions to harmonize the aerosol delivery practice in Italian CF centres and sustain continuing education. New drugs and devices are being placed on the market and it is one of the duty of physiotherapists to continue to deepen their knowledge and acquire new ones in this field.