An investigation into physiotherapy in the care of the potential lung donor

Lung donation and transplantation is life-saving. Successful lung donation and transplantation is limited by the shortage of donor lungs. This shortage is partly explained by the limited availability of eligible donors and partly by respiratory criteria governing the suitability of lungs for donation. Respiratory interventions, including physiotherapy, may optimise respiratory health and achieve lung donation suitability criteria. No study has examined the role or effectiveness of physiotherapy in optimising donation outcomes. This thesis investigated the role of physiotherapy in the care of potential donors and a pathway to developing physiotherapy practice recommendations. The results of this thesis inform research into the feasibility and effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on lung donation and transplantation outcomes, and the future development of practice recommendations.