KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF CARDIOPLMONARY REHABILITATION AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN ICU

Abstract

In ICU settings physical therapists play an important role in early mobilization, getting a better prognosis and proper breathing patterns in severely sick patients. However, due to lack of awareness and knowledge, the role of physical therapists in ICUs is not properly defined.  Objective: To assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation among Physiotherapists working in the ICU. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 143 physical therapists working in the ICU. Inclusion criteria were males and females of ages between 25 and above. Exclusion criteria was participants not willing to participate and not working in the ICU. For the collection of the data, non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. An informed consent was taken from the study participants. SPSS 25 was used for data analysis. Results: There were 32 participants who considered post cardiac event or surgery suitable for CPR, 32 for COPD, 14 for post any kind of surgery, 12 for muscular dystrophy, 8 for cancer survivors, 9 for diabetics, 20 for pulmonary diseases, 11 for before and after transplantation surgery and 5 for obesity. 49 participants treated 0 patients, 35 were treating 1-2 patients, 40 treated 3-10 patients, 5 treated 11-20 patients and 14 treated >21 patients. There were 70 participants who agreed and 73 who disagreed to CPR being difficult to be referred to patients in the country.  Conclusion: Physiotherapists hold a pivotal role in advancing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The distribution of knowledge levels highlights a majority with very good to excellent knowledge. Positive attitudes are evident towards cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, with majority physiotherapists actively treating patients.