PT Practices in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Covid-19 Comorbid with Cardiovascular Diseases in the USA: Basis for Philippine Recommendations

Abstract

Aim: To determine physical therapy (PT) practice recommendations for COVID-19 patients with CVD applicable to the Philippines setting based on the clinical practices of PTs in the USA Methods: A convergent mixed-method research design was used. The quantitative data were collected using a five-part electronic survey, and the qualitative data were collected through open-ended questions and interviews. The survey instrument covered the critical areas of scope, namely, acute setting; subacute; adult and geriatric; client management; and stages of patient handling. Through the snowball sampling technique of recruitment, 50 PT clinicians (seven from the Philippines and 43 from the USA) served as respondents. Data gathered were processed using descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, and thematic analysis. Results: The best practices focused on incorporating individualization, evidence-based practice towards safe early mobilization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Limitations covered the lack of evidence, scarce resources, and difficulty attaining an interdisciplinary approach. Weaknesses deduced were lack of awareness, preparedness, and collaboration in formulating protocols and service delivery. Key points of strength underscore sufficient resources and effective service delivery as requisites for holistic care for COVID-19 patients with CVD. Conclusion and Implications: Analyzing the results, the practice recommendations for the Philippine setting focused on integrating evidence and continuing education to develop clinical reasoning, empowering interdisciplinary collaboration, providing better administrative support to PTs, promoting staff safety and adherence to protocols, and enforcing holistit, individualized rehabilitation.