Physiotherapist
Consent was obtained for the session and for the use of Heidi AI Health Scribe.
Family members, clinicians or students present during the session: Patient's daughter, Mrs. Sarah Miller, was present throughout the session.
Reason for Referral:
Referral received from respiratory ward for post-operative physiotherapy assessment and management following right lower lobectomy for lung cancer. Patient reports increased shortness of breath and difficulty clearing secretions.
History of Presenting Complaint:
Main disability: Severe dyspnoea on exertion and productive cough, significantly impacting daily activities and mobility.
Secondary diagnoses or comorbidities: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) GOLD Stage II, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, controlled hypertension.
Date of diagnosis and source: Lung cancer diagnosed 15 September 2024 via CT-guided biopsy, confirmed by oncology team. COPD diagnosed 5 years ago by GP.
Patient remains an inpatient. Has received daily ward physiotherapy since surgery on 28 October 2024, focusing on early mobilisation and breathing exercises. Involved with oncology, internal medicine, and dietetics teams.
Requires ongoing respiratory physiotherapy to assist with secretion clearance, improve lung volumes, manage dyspnoea, and facilitate safe mobilisation to regain functional independence post-lobectomy.
Complaints:
* Worsening dyspnoea on minimal exertion (e.g., walking to bathroom).
* Productive cough, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
* Sputum: copious, yellowish-green, thick consistency.
* Usual walking distance: 500m prior to admission; current: 10m with significant desaturation.
* Sleep pattern: Interrupted by coughing spells, requires two pillows.
* Anxiety: Reports increased anxiety about breathing difficulties.
"Medications: See med chart"
Past Medical History:
* Right lower lobectomy (28/10/2024) for lung adenocarcinoma.
* COPD GOLD Stage II.
* Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
* Hypertension.
* Previous appendectomy (age 20).
Imaging Results:
* Chest X-ray (30/10/2024): Right lower lobe surgical changes, some residual consolidation in the right middle lobe, no pneumothorax or significant pleural effusion.
* Pre-operative CT Chest (10/09/2024): Confirmed RLL mass, emphysematous changes throughout both lungs.
Medication History:
* Salbutamol MDI 100mcg: 2 puffs QID PRN
* Tiotropium DPI 18mcg: 1 puff OD
* Metformin 500mg: BD
* Ramipril 5mg: OD
* Paracetamol 1g: QID PRN
Other therapists involved in the patient's care: Occupational Therapist assisting with ADL retraining and home modifications. Dietitian managing nutritional status post-surgery.
Social History:
Patient lives in a two-bedroom bungalow with his wife. Retired factory worker, previously exposed to asbestos during his 30-year career. No current pets. Smoked 20 cigarettes/day for 40 years, quit 10 years ago. No known irritant exposure at home.
Patient's previous level of function prior to admission including mobility, personal and domestic activities of daily living such as shopping, cleaning, cooking and bathing, and hobbies or activities: Independent with all personal and domestic ADLs. Enjoyed gardening and regular short walks in the park (approx. 20-30 minutes). Attended a weekly men's social group.
Patient's exercise tolerance prior to admission: Could walk approximately 500m before experiencing mild shortness of breath. No significant limitations on usual activities.
Current home support services: None currently, but family provides support.
History of falls in the past 12 months: No reported falls in the past 12 months.
Objective:
Patient was found supine in bed, conscious and alert, oriented to person, place, and time. Mild central cyanosis observed. No finger clubbing or significant peripheral oedema. Oxygen requirements: 4L/min via nasal cannula to maintain SpO2 >92%.
Vitals:
RR: 26 bpm
HR: 98 bpm
SpO2: 93% on 4L O2 via nasal cannula
Borg score: 6/10 (at rest)
PEFR usual: 350 L/min, current: 180 L/min
Weight: 75 kg
Attachments including IDC, IV lines and any other devices: Left forearm peripheral IV line, right chest drain to underwater seal (minimal drainage, no air leak).
Auscultation: Reduced breath sounds throughout the right lung, particularly lower lobe. Scattered coarse crackles bilaterally, more pronounced on the right. Expiratory wheeze bilaterally.
Lateral Basal Expansion (LBE): Reduced on the right, approximately 2cm, compared to 4cm on the left.
Cough: Weak, moist, and ineffective. Patient reports difficulty generating sufficient force to clear secretions.
CXR: Right lower lobe surgical changes, residual consolidation right middle lobe.
Breathing Pattern: Shallow and rapid breathing. Significant accessory muscle use at rest. Broken sentences observed when speaking. Inspiratory to expiratory ratio approximately 1:3. Predominantly mouth breathing. Mild paradoxical abdominal breathing. Chest shape appears normal, reduced expansion on the right. Ineffective cough and huff. Copious, thick, yellowish-green sputum.
Mobility:
- Supine - SOEOB: Requires moderate assistance (x1) to transition from supine to sitting on the edge of the bed due to dyspnoea and pain.
- Sitting Balance: Good sitting balance, able to maintain position independently for 5 minutes.
- Sit to Stand: Requires maximal assistance (x1) with stand-by assist (x1) due to weakness and dyspnoea. Unable to perform 1-minute sit to stand.
- Standing Balance: Poor standing balance, unable to stand unsupported for more than 10 seconds without significant sway. Requires supervision/light support.
- Transfers: Requires moderate assistance (x1) for bed to chair transfers. Patient reports dizziness and increased dyspnoea.
- Walking: Unable to walk more than 5m with a wheeled walker before significant desaturation (drops to 88%) and dyspnoea. Requires maximal assistance (x1) for safety.
Musculoskeletal:
* Cervical range of motion: Full and pain-free.
* Thoracic range of motion: Decreased extension and rotation due to surgical pain and stiffness.
* Upper limb strength: 4/5 bilaterally, grip strength intact.
* Lower limb strength: 3/5 bilaterally, particularly hip flexors and knee extensors.
Treatment:
* Education on effective deep breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing).
* Positioning for secretion clearance (side-lying to left, facilitated cough).
* Manual chest percussion and vibrations to right middle and lower lobes.
* Assisted mobilisation to chair for 10 minutes (with O2 support and maximal assist).
* Prescription and education on incentive spirometry.
Analysis:
Nurses should transfer patient with moderate assistance (x1) for bed to chair and maximal assistance (x1) for ambulation, ensuring supplemental oxygen is maintained at 4L/min and monitoring SpO2 closely. Patient is not at baseline function.
Patient is not safe for discharge from physiotherapy due to significant functional limitations, ongoing respiratory impairment, and high risk of falls. Requires intensive inpatient rehabilitation.
Barriers that may affect patient discharge from physiotherapy:
* Persistent dyspnoea and reduced exercise tolerance.
* Ineffective cough and secretion retention.
* Poor mobility and high fall risk.
* Surgical pain impacting movement and participation.
* Anxiety surrounding breathing and activity.
Plan:
* Request review by pain management team for optimal pain control to facilitate physiotherapy participation.
* Liaise with medical team regarding potential for bronchodilator optimisation given ongoing wheeze.
Next physiotherapy review date: 2 November 2024
Goal of the next physiotherapy session: Improve secretion clearance, increase sitting tolerance, progress sit-to-stand transfers with less assistance.
Timeline of next review: Daily for the foreseeable future.
Likely therapy to be provided at the next appointment: Continued chest physiotherapy, progressive mobilisation within tolerance, respiratory muscle training if appropriate.
Letters, phone calls or communications the treating therapist will complete before the next session: Document current progress for multidisciplinary team handover. Call OT to coordinate ADL retraining and mobility goals.
"Consent was obtained for the session and for the use of Heidi AI Health Scribe."
[Family members, clinicians or students present during the session] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
Reason for Referral:
[Reason for referral to physiotherapy including a brief summary of the patient's reason for attending] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
History of Presenting Complaint:
[Main disability] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Secondary diagnoses or comorbidities] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Date of diagnosis and source] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Hospital discharge date, progress since discharge, previous physiotherapy input and other health professional involvement] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Summary of patient's need for physiotherapy whilst in hospital] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
Complaints: [Clinical complaints related to physiotherapy including worsening pain, problem activities, panic or anxiety, usual and current walking distance and ability, usual and current wheeze or tightness including time of day and triggers, usual and current cough including daily pattern and triggers, sputum colour, amount and consistency, haemoptysis, sleep pattern, dizziness, pins and needles, abdominal upset, anxiety or depression, falls, incontinence, post-nasal drip, congestion, sinusitis, loss of appetite, weight loss and pulmonary rehabilitation] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in bullet point form.)
"Medications: See med chart"
Past Medical History:
[Relevant past medical history] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
Imaging Results:
[Results from radiology imaging including X-rays, CT and MRI] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
Medication History:
[Current medications and supplements including drug name, dose and frequency] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
[Other therapists involved in the patient's care] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
Social History:
[Patient's living situation including type of accommodation, who they live with, occupation past and present, and history of irritant exposure such as asbestos, dust, chemicals and pets] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Patient's previous level of function prior to admission including mobility, personal and domestic activities of daily living such as shopping, cleaning, cooking and bathing, and hobbies or activities] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Patient's exercise tolerance prior to admission] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[Current home support services] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
[History of falls in the past 12 months] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write in paragraph format.)
Objective:
[How the patient was found including position, orientation, oxygen requirements, colour, finger clubbing and oedema] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
Vitals: [Vital signs including RR, HR, SpO2, Borg score, PEFR usual and current, and weight] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write each on its own line.)
[Attachments including IDC, IV lines and any other devices] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
Auscultation: [Auscultation findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
Lateral Basal Expansion (LBE): [Thoracic lateral basal expansion findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
Cough: [Clinical description of cough including strength, character and productivity] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
CXR: [Chest X-ray findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
Breathing Pattern: [Breathing pattern findings including accessory muscle use at rest, broken sentences, inspiratory to expiratory ratio, nasal or mouth breathing, paradoxical breathing, chest shape, chest expansion, cough, huff and sputum] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
[Any other relevant clinical information pertinent to an acute hospital physiotherapist] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
Mobility:
- Supine - SOEOB: [Patient's functional ability to transition from supine to sitting on the edge of the bed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
- Sitting Balance: [Patient's functional ability to sit independently] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
- Sit to Stand: [Patient's functional ability to transition from sitting to standing including 1-minute sit to stand if performed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
- Standing Balance: [Patient's functional standing balance] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
- Transfers: [Patient's functional ability to transfer from one surface to another] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
- Walking: [Patient's functional ability to walk including distance, aid used, level of assistance required, limiting factors, TUG, 6-minute walk test and step ups if performed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
Musculoskeletal:
[Musculoskeletal findings including cervical and thoracic range of motion and upper and lower limb strength] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
Treatment:
[Treatment provided to the patient during this session] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
Analysis:
[Summary of how nurses should transfer and mobilise the patient on the ward, with specific detail regarding level of assistance required] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
[Whether the patient is or is not at baseline function] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
[Whether the patient is safe or not for discharge from physiotherapy including reasoning] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a brief statement.)
[Barriers that may affect patient discharge from physiotherapy] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
Plan:
[Recommendations for doctors or other members of the multidisciplinary team to action or be aware of] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely. Write as a bulleted list.)
[Next physiotherapy review date] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
[Goal of the next physiotherapy session] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
[Timeline of next review] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
[Likely therapy to be provided at the next appointment] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)
[Letters, phone calls or communications the treating therapist will complete before the next session] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes or clinical notes, else omit section entirely.)