Date of Completion

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

musculoskeletal impairments, COVID-19

Abstract

The study determined the facilitators and barriers in the physical therapy of patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) impairments during the COVID-19 pandemic as to the processes of client management model: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcome. It also determined the insights of physical therapists (PTs) as to the enrichment of facilitators and addressing of the barriers. A qualitative-descriptive approach was utilized in order to generate an in-depth understanding of the experiences of the target population through one-on-one interviews. The researchers utilized semi-structured interview questions that were pilot tested to two (2) participants and validated by the three (3) experts. The eight (8) participants in the study were the PTs who practiced in selected cities in Cavite that had the highest incidence rate of musculoskeletal conditions for the years 2020 and 2021, based on the list obtained from the Department of Health Research Center for Health and Development CALABARZON IV-A. They were also those who delivered in-person rehabilitation in various practice settings such as: home health, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. After each interview, the researchers performed three (3) levels of transcription and the data extracted were subjected to a thematic analysis. Three (3) main themes have emerged after analyzing the data that was gathered, namely: (1) Pandemic Boosters for Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, (2) Pandemic Currents that deter Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, and (3) The Way to Go Forward. In each component of the client management model, it was mostly the government-imposed protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, administrative policies, and skills of physical therapists as to MSK assessment and treatment that either supported or restricted the physical therapy of patients. Results from the study encompassing what can enrich the facilitators and address the barriers may serve as a recommendation to continue delivering rehabilitative care despite the limitations brought by the pandemic.

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