Qualitative exploration assessing the acceptability of shared decision-making for prescribing airway clearance techniques in adults with bronchiectasis

Objectives Determine patients’ and physiotherapists’ prospective acceptability of using a shared decision-making (SDM) intervention to support patient choice of airway clearance technique (ACT) prescription for adults with bronchiectasis.

Design We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups and interviews.

Setting Participants were recruited throughout the UK. All interviews and focus groups were conducted from the researcher’s private home or Research Team office at Newcastle University. Face-to-face focus groups or interviews were conducted in a university conference room.

Participants 21 physiotherapists and 21 patients living with bronchiectasis participated.

Results 12 themes were identified covering all seven domains of the theoretical framework of acceptability. Themes included: adherence, cultural challenges, education, empowerment, engagement, flexibility, health literacy, overwhelming information, participant understanding, resources, supportive of preferences and time.

Conclusion A SDM intervention to support patient choice of ACT in bronchiectasis appears to be acceptable to both stakeholder groups. Additionally, we identified novel factors informing the design and implementation of a future SDM intervention. Future research should consider the systematic development of an SDM intervention to support patient choice of ACT in bronchiectasis.