The physiotherapy experience of managing patients with COVID-19

Abstract

In January 2020, the WHO declared the SARSCoV-2 outbreak a public health emergency; by March 11th, a pandemic was declared [1]. To date in Ireland, over 4,118 patients have been admitted to acute hospitals as a result of infection with COVID-19 with over 524 of these requiring intensive care unit (ICU) support (numbers correct as of 22nd October 2020) (COVID Tracker). Beaumont Hospital, a large teaching hospital and tertiary care centre was one of the busiest hospitals in Ireland during March to June 2020 for COVID-19 admissions, during this period 174 patients were discharged from Beaumont 22% of whom had been admitted to the intensive care unit [2]. Physiotherapy was, and continues to be involved along the continuum of care for COVID-19 patients: from acute admission to ICU, and ward level management to rehabilitation at dedicated facilities. Treating