Abstract

Background

Psychological factors can contribute to symptoms of breathing pattern disorders (Courtney, 2017). Individuals presenting with “complex breathlessness” can be referred to the ACERS Outpatient Respiratory Physiotherapy clinic for assessment of their breathing pattern and intervention. On assessment, these individuals commonly report moderate-severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, as measured by The Four Item Health Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression (PHQ-4). Therefore, the need for interdisciplinary support between Respiratory Physiotherapists and Clinical Psychologists was highlighted to optimise care in this patient population.

Aim

To assess the outcomes of Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDMs) between respiratory physiotherapists and a clinical psychologist in managing patients within a respiratory physiotherapy outpatient clinic.

Method

A monthly MDM was established between respiratory physiotherapists in the Outpatient Respiratory Physiotherapy Team and Clinical Psychologists. 10 patients were discussed across 3 MDMs between 05/03/25 to 14/05/25. A written log was kept, documenting who was discussed and any actions.

Themes of MDM discussions were identified retrospectively and the outcomes for each patient were categorised. Some patients had more than one outcome and therefore fell into more than one theme. A feedback questionnaire was completed by the clinicians who had attended MDMs.

Results

Of the 10 patients discussed in MDM, 6 themes were identified; Interdisciplinary internal referrals: 20% (n=3); Discussion of external referral: 13% (n=2); Complex mental health management: 20% (n=3); Signposted to other service: 13% (n=2); Psychology advice to support Physiotherapy intervention: 20% (n=3); Joint session: 13% (n=2).

The clinicians who regularly attended the MDMs strongly agreed (100%) that interdisciplinary referrals between teams had improved, that they felt more supported in their clinical roles, and that they had observed improvements in patient outcomes. In addition, 75% strongly agreed and 25% agreed that signposting to other services was enhanced.



Conclusion



Regular MDMs between respiratory physiotherapists and a clinical psychologist improved interdisciplinary collaboration, clinician support, and perceived patient outcomes. The pilot highlights the value of integrated care in managing complex breathlessness. Future evaluation of pre- and post-intervention PHQ-4 scores could further demonstrate the impact of MDMs.