Representation at International conference.
The ACPRC endorses the world bronchiectasis conference. As part of this partnership, we invited two members of our global cardiorespiratory physiotherapy community to attend the conference on our behalf. Their report is as follows:
In mid-July this year, from across the globe the 8th World Bronchiectasis Conference brought together a diverse community – such as medical specialists, researchers, nurses, allied health professionals and biotechnological product representatives – with an overarching theme of ‘Diverse Lungs, Inclusive Solutions’.
Key takeaways…
- Bronchiectasis is a heterogenous disease à Registry data from across the world has demonstrated interesting differences in certain populations. For example, the Northern Territory in Australia was unique in that the patients were younger (median age of 56) and FEV1 % predicted is significantly lower than other Australian states, as well as many international cohorts.
- Community based physiotherapy for mucous hypersecretion à Laura Cooper (an Australian Physiotherapist) shared her work on the ‘Impact of physiotherapy-led airway clearance services on healthcare usage’. Promising results of decreased respiratory-related emergency department presentations and hospital admissions as a cost-saving for the health system.
- Adaptation of airway clearance to accommodate common comorbidities à Comorbidities such as GORD and sinus concerns.
- Advancements in pharmacologic treatment options à Brensocatib demonstrated improvements in clinical outcomes including time to first exacerbation and reduction in exacerbation frequency in the non-CF bronchiectasis population.
- Memorable moments à A session titled ‘A hands-on patient-first approach: clearing airways with OPEP therapy’ exhibited consumers with bronchiectasis generously demonstrating live on stage their routine airway clearance session with an Aerobika.
Olivia Patterson and Alison Gregora, Physiotherapists and Australian Physiotherapy Association Members
Publication Date: 29 August 2025
Author: Olivia Patterson and Alison Gregora, Physiotherapists and Australian Physiotherapy Association Members
