A National Survey of Physiotherapists' Assessment and Management Practices for Patients with COVID-19 in Acute and Rehabilitation Care in the United Arab Emirates

Background. Physiotherapists have a significant role in the treatment and care of individuals with COVID 19, who suffer from a range of symptoms and complications. Treatment for these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. The study aims to explore the practice patterns of assessment and management adopted by physiotherapists for patients with COVID 19 in critical care and rehabilitation settings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods. A survey questionnaire was shared with physiotherapists working in the UAE’s private and public hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of 60 questions that were divided into 5 sections: assessment in ICU and wards, treatment in ICU and wards, and patient education. Results. The physiotherapy evaluation of patients was primarily focused on specific impairment measures. Respiratory rate was the highest reported assessment tool in the ICU, with 68% of physiotherapists always using it. More than 78% of ward assessments use physical examination and respiratory rate. Treatment in the ICU was primarily done with chest percussion and suction therapy; over 85% reported using them always or frequently. A total of 89% of respondents used positioning and postural drainage as part of their treatment in wards, and 100% chose walking as their method of mobilization. Conclusion. Both ICU and acute care physiotherapists used similar assessment techniques focused on impairments and dyspnea-quantifying measures, with less emphasis on functional exercise capacity. They, however, used similar approaches to treatment in the ICU and wards, with slight variations in airway clearance and equipment use.