Physical therapy performance in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation: knowledge and experience of physiotherapists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-2950/e23009724ptKeywords:
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, Physical TherapyAbstract
After the acute phase of COVID-19, many
patients have persistent symptoms or develop sequelae, which leads them to seek physiotherapy rehabilitation services.
Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge
and experience of physiotherapists on the assessment and
treatment of post-COVID-19 patients. The cross-sectional
observational study was carried out with 73 physiotherapists
through an online questionnaire about academic background,
areas of expertise, knowledge about COVID-19 and knowledge and
experience of assessment and treatment resources in post-COVID-19
rehabilitation, in addition to barriers to the care of these patients
in the ambulatory care. Most physiotherapists have heard of
post-COVID-19 syndrome, however, 44% agreed that they felt
sufficiently informed about post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. There was
a discrepancy between the degree of importance and experience
with the frequency of use of assessment resources, especially
the use of specific assessment instruments for skeletal muscle
strength, mobility, respiratory function, in addition to scales and
questionnaires to assess disabilities, quality of life and sleep quality.
On the other hand, most reported the importance and had sufficient
experience to treat post-COVID-19 patients using cheap and
accessible resources. However, less than half perform techniques
related to respiratory muscle training and/or more sophisticated
equipment. Thus, we conclude that most physiotherapists recognize
the importance and report sufficient experience to assess and treat
post-COVID-19 patients, however, there is a discrepancy between
the assessment in the biopsychosocial context of the patient and
the treatment process
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