Saudi Physicians' Awareness and Practice of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has resulted in considerable mortality, morbidity, and unprecedented strain on healthcare systems throughout the world. As the pandemic evolves, one of those challenges has become increasingly common - the post-COVID-19 syndrome. Approximately 10-20% of SARS-CoV-2 patients who experienced an acute symptomatic phase are still experiencing some effects beyond 12 weeks. To assess knowledge, awareness and practice about effectiveness and benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for post-covid-19 syndrome patients and their practical barriers and opportunities, and education and training needs among Saudi physicians. Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was held among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Department of internal medicine, Heraa General Hospital, between January 2021 and November 2021. The questionnaire was sent to Saudi physicians from data collectors face-to-face through smartphone apps. The questionnaire covered the talk about pulmonary rehabilitation knowledge and familiarity among Saudi physicians, support and practice, barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation integration, and interest in learning more about pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Results: A total of 1111 responded to the survey. The mean age of the participants was 33 years old, with mean years of experience of about 6.95 years. The majority of respondents (n=949) (85.4%) work in urban areas and come from various regions, including the west (n=407) (36.6%), east (n=195) (17.6%), north (n=150) (13.5%), south (n=150) (13.5%) and central region (n=209) (18.8%). More than half of the respondents were physicians (n=750) (67.5%) from different specialties, and the mean number of covid-19 patients seen by physicians was 5.68% per day. Conclusion: Participants in this study showed a positive attitude toward pulmonary rehabilitation. They believe their patients would benefit from Pulmonary rehabilitation, are interested in referring post-covid-19 patients to rehabilitation providers and co-managing their care, and would like more educational opportunities in order to increase their knowledge of the safety and efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation.