Date of Completion

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Physical Therapy, COVID-19, Philippines, Qualitative Study

Abstract

Physical therapists (PTs) share responsibilities in managing COVID-19. The common roles of PTs in managing COVID-19 patients identified in literature include healthcare professional, safety officer, frontliner, health promoter and educator, and interprofessional collaborator. In the Philippines, there are no formally established roles of PTs by the PPTA. This study aimed to know the specific roles of Filipino PTs in managing COVID-19 patients during admission and referral phase, rehabilitation proper phase, and discharge and transfer of service phase, see if these roles are aligned with literature gathered, know if there are other roles that the PTs fulfill, and know how these roles have been adapted in their practice. This study utilized a qualitative descriptive design. Experiences of 9 PTs from Luzon were gathered using semi-structured interviews through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis and qualitative research rigor. Findings of this study revealed 4 themes from the admission and referral phase: change is inevitable, forefront of rehabilitation care, role of a safety professional, and emerging roles during the pandemic. Roles deduced from these themes are healthcare professional, safety officer, frontliner, and other roles. In the rehabilitation proper phase, 4 themes emerged: maintaining safety at all times, health educator and promoter, collaborator with other health professionals, and clinician in times of pandemic. Roles deduced from these themes are healthcare professional, safety officer, interprofessional collaborator, and health promoter and educator. Lastly, 5 themes emerged from discharge and transfer of service phase: health promoter and educator, infection control, emerging roles, administrative duty, and clinician. Roles deduced from these themes are healthcare professional, safety officer, interprofessional collaborator, health promoter and educator, and other roles. These findings are not generalizable to the whole country. Nevertheless, these results offered new insights regarding the roles of PTs in managing COVID-19 in the Philippines.

First Advisor

Billy Jay N. Pedron

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