HPB SO25 - The impact of chest physiotherapy on post-operative recovery from open liver surgery: A quality improvement project

Abstract Background The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after open liver surgery is high. Risk factors include age, body mass index, ex- or current smoker, and chronic lung disease. Early postoperative chest physiotherapy (CP), an essential part of any enhanced recovery protocol (ERP), can reduce PPCs, length of stay and healthcare costs. This study evaluated the uptake of CP after open liver surgery and resultant outcomes, following a quality improvement (QI) intervention. Method The project design involved two audit cycles: cycle 1 (C1) and cycle 2 (C2), each of five months duration, of consecutive patients undergoing open liver surgery, before and after a QI intervention (intensive preoperative patient education, poster campaign, increased engagement with physiotherapists regarding the importance of timely CP. Patients undergoing laparoscopic resections were excluded. Outcome measures included whether patients received postoperative CP at all, if so on which post-operative day (POD), for what duration, patient location, incidence of PPCs, and the length of postoperative stay. Statistical analysis was performed using (r 4-4.1) software, using the Chi-squared or Fisher’s Exact test. Results Despite more smokers/ex-smokers in C1(24%) versus C2(8%,p=0.04), only 18/50(36%) C1 patients received CP on POD1, versus 20/36(57%) in C2(p=0.07). Sixteen(32%) C1 patients received no postoperative CP, versus 7(19%) in C2(p=0.19). There were non-significant decreases in PPCs in C2(8%), versus C1(20%)(p=0.13). Three of four patients developing pneumonia in C1, and both those in C2, had no POD1 CP. Wards with higher physiotherapist:patient ratios had more POD1 CP: in C1 12/19(63%)[6/31(20%), p=0.001], and C2 14/15(93%)[6/20(30%) p=0.0001]. Median hospital stay was unchanged (4 days). Conclusion This QI project shows that even with an established enhanced recovery programme, the provision of postoperative chest physiotherapy is not universal. However, it can be improved with an education programme for both healthcare workers and patients.