Physiotherapy assessment of breathlessness and disordered patterns of breathing: defining a consensus on terminology and assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormal breathing patterns unexplained by pathophysiology are typically referred to using terms including chronic breathlessness syndrome or complex breathlessness. Often patients with these conditions are referred to physiotherapy for an assessment of this breathlessness, where some are diagnosed with breathing pattern disorder (BrPD) or dysfunctional breathing (DB). The condition seen in physiotherapy occurs in at least 10% of the general population, increasing to 29−40% with coexisting conditions. Inconsistency in the nomenclature and physiotherapy assessment reduces recognition of the condition and hinders development in this area. Aims of the study: To establish expert physiotherapists' consensus on terminology to describe this condition and provide guidance for its physiotherapy assessment. Participants and methods: The opinions and experiences of ten respiratory physiotherapists, nine other clinicians (doctors, nurses, and speech and language therapists), and five patients diagnosed with BrPD were explored in focus groups or interviews regarding the terminology used and assessment experience. A second separate purposive sample of clinical expert physiotherapists (n = 11) took part in a nominal group technique (NGT) process to build consensus on the following questions: Question 1: What is your preferred term for this condition? Question 2: What are the most important assessment components to be included in all assessments? Results: One focus group (n = 10) and 14 interviews were completed. Framework analysis of the data from focus groups and interviews was undertaken and these results were shared with the participants in the nominal group. Consensus (71%) for the term breathing pattern disorder (BrPD) was achieved and an assessment guide was created. Conclusion: With improved consistency in its description and assessment, the adoption of breathing pattern disorder may help to further develop clinical and research priorities in this area within physiotherapy services.

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