ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on healthcare services all over the world. With the rising range of healthcare providers diagnosed with COVID globally and with the second wave in India, the crisis has gained global attention and assistance. The healthcare system in India is under strain, putting frontline healthcare staff on edge. Long and exhausting work hours, quickly depleting supplies of personal protective equipment, day-to-night news reports of COVID-19 statistics, inadequate availability of particular drugs, and insufficient societal assistance may all lead to the additional emotional strain of these HCWs. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress are very prevalent among HCWs. Employed in the high-risk division like infectious disorder and pulmonology, and to see a family member that has been diagnosed, deficient or inadequate hand hygiene before and after interaction with patients, insufficient PPE, direct patient interaction (12 times a day), long daily contact hours (15 hrs), and uncontrolled exposure were all linked to COVID-19 risk among Health Care Workers. Working with COVID-19 has demonstrated the interdependence of various components of the work system, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, monitoring equipment, staffing, work setting, and so on. Healthcare workers should also implement a detailed ‘infectious disease preparedness and recovery strategy' to train and protect staff before and after a pandemic. Workers must be closely watched, supported, and, when possible, supplied with evidence-based practice after the crisis has passed. © 2021 MEDIC SCIENTIFIC. All right reserved.
ABSTRACT
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known to cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome which causes breathing difficulty requiring ICU management and assisted ventilation. A male patient, 50 years old was admitted to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness, morning chest pain with palpitations and low saturation level, and hypoxia on room air. The patient was a known case of COVID-19. ABG revealed metabolic alkalosis with partially compensated respiratory acidosis. CBC revealed leukocytosis suggestive of infection and HB count was decreased. HRCT thorax was done given COVID positive PCR test and was suggestive of multiple patchy ground-glass attenuations in the left upper and bilateral lower lobes of lungs. A repeat HRCT thorax was done after 3 months, which was suggestive of diffuse patchy ground-glass opacities with interlobar septal segment giving crazy paving pattern and consolidation in both lungs. Physiotherapy intervention included patient education, breathing retraining, airway clearance techniques, positioning, walking program with supplemented oxygen, and psychological support. Outcome measures have shown enhancement in functional independence and performance of activities of daily living. Modified pulmonary rehabilitation has worked efficiently in improving the general condition of a post COVID patient. © 2021 MEDIC SCIENTIFIC. All right reserved.
ABSTRACT
The Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-19) originated from Wuhan, China and has affected globe since 2019. The virus spread to India in January, 2020. It is highly contagious. In its severe form, the victims of the virus suffered from symptoms such as breathing difficulties, fever, weakness, loss of taste and smell, amongst others. Patients were put on mechanical ventilators and as a result, the requirement of the role of cardio-respiratory physiotherapists became more and more essential. Even after weaning off from the ventilators and being detected Coronavirus negative, the role of the physiotherapists still remained indispensable in order to bring about improvement in the muscle strength of the affected weakened muscles, especially for patients whose movements were limited for extended periods of times due to being dependent on the ventilators;physiotherapists were also required to bring about improvement in the lung capacities and function, to teach gait training for those who find it difficult to walk, to improve in-coordination and overall allow the patients to come back to normal and carry out all the ADL independently and well. He had a severe difficulty in breathing and coughing, along with a generalized weakness all over his body, specifically both his lower limbs. He was admitted in the ICU immediately and was on mechanical ventilator. After all the physiotherapy sessions, the patient was able to carry out his activities of daily living independently;he regained his muscle strength and improved his coordination and ability to walk with a proper gait. He was also able to breathe independently with adequate respiratory muscle strength;and did not feel fatigued as quickly as he used to when he was detected positive for Coronavirus.