Chest physiotherapy is no longer used at
National Women’s Hospital on newborn babies. It is not available. However,
it is possible that a baby with a particular problem may need chest
physiotherapy at some time in the future and that this may be organised with
paediatric physiotherapists in another Auckland Hospital. Therefore, this
guideline is still in the file.
Babies under 1500g, less than a month of age
should not be treated with chest physiotherapy.
Chest physiotherapy should only be commenced
when specifically ordered by the Specialist.
Chest physiotherapy should be discussed by a
doctor/NS-ANP with the parents before starting.
The physiotherapist will decide on the method of
physiotherapy to be given. For percussion, the baby’s head must be held
during physiotherapy.
Chest physiotherapy is given by physiotherapists
only.
The need for ongoing chest physiotherapy should
be reviewed daily and recorded in the medical notes, unless an order for long
term chest physiotherapy is made and recorded.
Head ultrasounds should be done at least two
weeks after ceasing physiotherapy.
