Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation among physiotherapists in Lebanon

Rebecca Farah,Milena Pavlova,Wim Groot

doi:10.1186/s43161-021-00060-w

Abstract

BackgroundInsufficient physical activity is one of the leading mortality risks worldwide for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Physiotherapists (PT) are core healthcare professionals who play a major role in the prevention of disease complications and in inspiring a healthy lifestyle. To identify challenges in the promotion of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) in Lebanon, a survey was conducted among PT and physiotherapy students. The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of CR in Lebanon.ResultsThe response rate was 46.1% (N = 322). Results show that 24.5% of respondents have good to excellent knowledge about CR. More than 60% of the respondents indicate possible barriers to starting a CR program, and one of two respondents identify the absence of skills as a main barrier. Findings highlight the importance of the role of PT as a mediator to increase a healthy lifestyle among patients and to promote the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary diseases in the country.Conclusions and recommendationsOur results support the evidence and clinical guidelines that PT play a major role by increasing the participation of patients in CR. A cost-effective CR program needs to be covered by the private and public system in Lebanon.

Highlights

Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading mortality risks worldwide for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases
51.2% are male, and 45.3% of them are cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) practice among PT and physiotherapy students Regarding the practice of CR, our results indicate the respondents’ views on what type of patients are supposed to be eligible to start a CR
Most of the respondents stated that patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should be “eligible candidates” for CR

Summary

Introduction

Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading mortality risks worldwide for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Since the 1960s, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) has been the traditional mode for the delivery of prevention for patients suffering from cardiac diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). CR is more than exercise training for patients suffering from cardiopulmonary diseases The 2019 Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and Prevention (ESCP) state that “exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations compared with no exercise controls in patients with chronic artery diseases, and this benefit persists into the modern era Exercise has been referred to as a polypill due to its numerous beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors and system physiology” [2]. Exercise therapy is recognized as the “main component of secondary prevention” and CR.

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Conclusion