Table 2 Time (hours) required for physiotherapy interventions in uncomplicated and complex situations
InterventionTime (h)
Uncomplicated patientAcutely unwell or complex patient
Initial assessment of all patients includes:

  • History

  • Physical examination

  • Investigations and results

0.5–0.751

  • Interpretation of imaging

  • Tests of mobility, function or exercise capacity

Airway clearance techniques
Initial exploration and teaching of appropriate technique0.5–0.751
Airway clearance techniques
Follow-up/review0.25–0.50.5–1
Breathlessness management0.500.75
Self-management/education0.250.50
Individual help with mobility, physical activity/exercise0.501
Formal exercise test ± mobility aids0.25–0.500.75–1
Ambulatory oxygen assessment11.25–1.45
Non-invasive ventilation
CPAP, NIV, IPPB: set up11
Non-invasive ventilation
CPAP, NIV, IPPB ongoing0.501
Special interventions, eg:

  • Bronchoconstriction trials

  • Induced sputum

11

  • Hypertonic NaCl trial

Pulmonary rehabilitation assessment1 per patient or 10 per group
Pulmonary rehabilitation10/patient/programme, or
8-week programme100/group or programme

  • CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; IPPB, intermittent positive pressure breathing; NIV, non-invasive ventilation.