Impact of COVID-19 on Out-Patient Services - Physiotherapy s Perspectives
Loading...
Date
2020-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited
Abstract
The rapid spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to global pandemic affecting mental and physical well-being of people around the world. Given the highly contagious nature of COVID-19, public authorities in order to restrict the escalation of the virus ordered social lockdown and asked people to self-quarantine at homes if they develop any symptoms. As a result, these new social regulations have changed how individuals live and carry out everyday tasks in the general society. Reduced physical activity during lockdown has enhanced vulnerability to develop infections and non-communicable diseases. While on the other side, due to absence of routine medical surveillance, the condition of people with existing chronic conditions has deteriorated. Re-allocation of health care resources to treat COVID-19 patients put forward unprecedented challenge for the healthcare system in terms of providing medical support to non-infected out-patients. Extended social lockdowns are also causing adverse repercussions for physiotherapy and rehabilitation out-patient services. COVID-19 restrictions have hampered the in-person interaction of therapists and patients for in-person consultations and therapy sessions. Thus, leading to overall delay in the management and recovery of patients, especially those who are at a critical stage of treatment. During these unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic, provision of telehealth appeared to be the guiding light to tackle these evolving challenges of public health. Focusing on the out-patients who need close supervision for therapies and counselling, in this piece, āIā am arguing that methods of telemedicine and tele-rehabilitation should be actively adopted in the healthcare services to bridge the gap caused due to COVID-19.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19 Pandemic, Physical Activity, Healthcare, Out-Patient Services, Physiotherapy, Tele-Rehabilitation
Citation
Sirohi Priya. Impact of COVID-19 on Out-Patient Services - Physiotherapy s Perspectives. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. 2020 Nov; 9(44): 3280-3283