Devices – Cough Assist/Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E)

CoughAssist, also known as Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E), is a device that helps clear mucus from the airways by assisting a person's cough using changes in air pressure. There is currently no harmonised Central East ICB clinical policy. Local area policies transferred to Central East ICB are available where these exist.

Clinical policies aim to prevent avoidable harm to patients by only offering treatments on the NHS that are evidence-based, clinically safe and effective, as well as cost effective and a good use of resources.

Information:

Currently there is not a single clinical policy for CoughAssist MI-E devices, that applies to people across the whole Central East area.

Where a legacy Integrated Care Board (ICB) had an agreed clinical policy on CoughAssist MI-E devices, this policy transferred to Central East ICB on 1 April 2026. Previously agreed policies will continue to apply only to people living in that former ICB’s area until any new policy is adopted by NHS Central East ICB.

Where an area doesn’t have a previously agreed policy on CoughAssist MI-E devices, support for patients in that area will be based on a routine commissioning pathway.

Local clinical policy positions for CoughAssist MI-E devices

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

No Policy (Routine Commissioning Pathway)

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

No Policy (Routine Commissioning Pathway)

Hertfordshire and West Essex

Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E) Devices CoughAssist V1.1 July 2022