Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting and beyond: an update to clinical practice recommendations

Thomas, Peter; Baldwin, Claire; Beach, Lisa; Bissett, Bernie; Boden, Ianthe; Cruz, Sherene Magana; Gosselink, Rik; Granger, Catherine L; Hodgson, Carol; Holland, Anne E; Jones, Alice Ym; Kho, Michelle E; van der Lee, Lisa; Moses, Rachael; Ntoumenopoulos, George; Parry, Selina M; Patman, Shane

doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2021.12.012

Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting and beyond: an update to clinical practice recommendations

Author:

Thomas, Peter

Baldwin, Claire ; Beach, Lisa ; Bissett, Bernie ; Boden, Ianthe ; Cruz, Sherene Magana ; Gosselink, Rik ; Granger, Catherine L ; Hodgson, Carol ; Holland, Anne E ; Jones, Alice Ym ; Kho, Michelle E ; van der Lee, Lisa ; Moses, Rachael ; Ntoumenopoulos, George ; Parry, Selina M ; Patman, Shane

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Physical therapy, Coronavirus, COVID-19, RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS-SYNDROME, PHYSICAL-THERAPISTS, IMPACT, TRANSMISSION, HEALTH, REHABILITATION, VENTILATION, SUPPORT, Hospitals, Humans, Personal Protective Equipment, Physical Therapy Modalities, SARS-CoV-2

Abstract:

This document provides an update to the recommendations for physiotherapy management for adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the acute hospital setting. It includes: physiotherapy workforce planning and preparation; a screening tool for determining requirement for physiotherapy; and recommendations for the use of physiotherapy treatments and personal protective equipment. New advice and recommendations are provided on: workload management; staff health, including vaccination; providing clinical education; personal protective equipment; interventions, including awake proning, mobilisation and rehabilitation in patients with hypoxaemia. Additionally, recommendations for recovery after COVID-19 have been added, including roles that physiotherapy can offer in the management of post-COVID syndrome. The updated guidelines are intended for use by physiotherapists and other relevant stakeholders caring for adult patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the acute care setting and beyond.