Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting and beyond: an update to clinical practice recommendations
Peter Thomas, Claire Baldwin, Lisa Beach, Bernie Bissett, Ianthe Boden, Sherene Magana Cruz, Rik Gosselink, Catherine L. Granger, Carol Hodgson, Anne E. Holland, Alice Jones, Michelle E. Kho, Lisa van der Lee, Rachael Moses, George Ntoumenopoulos, Selina M. Parry, Shane Patman
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.