Abstract:

Objective To retrieve and summarize the best evidence on clinical application and principles of pediatric airway clearance techniques. Methods Systematic searches were conducted in various databases and association websites up to April 20，2024， including clinical decisions，guidlines，systematic reviews，evidence summary and expert consensus. Literature quality was assessed and evidence was extracted by two researcher who received systematic training of evidence-based methodology. Results 18 studies were included，including 5 clinical decisions，5 guidelines，3 systematic reviews，5 expert consensuses. 21 pieces of best evidence for clinical application of pediatric airway clearance techniques were summarized across eight aspects，including procedural requirements，indications，contraindications，pre-procedure assessment，frequency，selection of methods，efficacy evaluation，and health education. 25 application principles for 8 pediatric airway clearance techniques were also summarized，including percussion and postural drainage，autogenic drainage，intrapulmonary percussive ventilation，positive end-expiratory pressure，active cycle of breathing techniques，mechanical oscillatory devices，mechanical insufflation-exsufflation，and exercise. Conclusion Medical staff should apply best evidence based on the child’s condition to standardize airway clearance techniques.

Key words: Children, Airway Clearance, Evidence Summary, Evidence-Based Nursing