[Place of the respiratory physiotherapist in the Covid-19 crisis: Neuchatel experience]

ABSTRACT

The physiotherapy service became an important player in the care of patients with COVID-19 at Pourtales hospital (Neuchatel, Switzerland), illustrating its important role in the organization of acute care units. The workforce was increased, and the diaries extended (7/7d, 24/24h). Respiratory physiotherapists were largely involved in the initiation and the adaptation of the respiratory therapy in the units dedicated to Covid-19 patients (emergency, intensive care and pulmonology units), such as oxygen therapy and both invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Rehabilitation was also early initiated in order to limit the risk of intensive care unit-acquired polyneuromyopathy and to prevent physical deconditioning.