Physical therapists' opinions on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical therapy management in government and private hospitals in Thailand: Preliminary results of a survey

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the management of the health care system, including the delivery of physical therapy (PT) services. In Thailand, physical therapists (PTs) encounter challenges in providing PT care during the pandemic. <b>Aim:</b> To survey PTs’ opinions about the challenges encountered during the pandemic and the adapted management applied. <b>Methods:</b> A questionnaire was developed to gather opinions of PTs in government and private hospitals over the effect of the pandemic on PT services, personals, patients, management of the department, care management for COVID-19 patients. Items of the questionnaire were evaluated by 3 experts using the Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) based on the score range -1 to +1. The items’ IOC scores lower than 0.5 were removed or adjusted. 5 PTs tested the questionnaire. After the final adjustment, it was distributed to Thai PTs via letters and social media. <b>Results:</b> 59 PTs responded to the questionnaire, 73% were females, age 20-50 yr, 6 mo-22 yr of experience, 12 of 59 PTs have treated COVID-19 patients. Table 1 shows preliminary results. <b>Conclusions:</b> During the pandemic, several PT services were temporarily paused. The PTs reported effects on their mental health and thought that patients did not receive adequate treatment. Dept management was adapted to provide suitable care.