Article

Sputum specimens are frequently requested from individuals with chronic
suppurative conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF).
For a proportion of people,
expectorating sputum can be difficult. Our goal was to explore the potential
barriers and facilitators to expectorating sputum from the perspective of those
with CF and physiotherapists involved in their care. Eighteen interviews were
conducted with people who have CF and three focus groups with physiotherapists.
Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a framework
approach. Variation emerged in perceptions between physiotherapists and people
with CF in terms of sputum's impact on everyday life and the importance of its
role in managing the condition. These differences were reflected in the following
themes: (1) seepage of bodily boundaries, (2) discrediting nature of sputum, (3)
embodied representation of chronic illness, and (4) non-production as a
decisional balance. Differing views between participants could have arisen from
the personal nature of sputum for people with CF, whilst physiotherapists may see
sputum specimens as a necessary part of holistic management of this condition.
Education could assist individuals in overcoming some of the barriers associated
with expectorating, but physiotherapists may have to individualise the collection
of sputum, recognising not everyone will be at ease with this procedure.

Langue : ANGLAIS