Pulmonary rehabilitation in Lebanon “What do we have”? A national survey among chest physicians

Abstract

Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is not very often used by physicians in Lebanon despite evidence on its positive effects on health-related quality of life. Aim This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of PR among physicians in Lebanon. In addition, the study identifies the main barriers to access to PR according to chest physicians. Insight into these issues will help to increase awareness about the need for PR programs and can contribute to designing such programs in the country. Methods A survey was conducted during the regional conference of the Lebanese Pulmonary Society. One week after the initial survey, the survey questionnaire was sent by email to all chest physicians who were registered with the Lebanese Pulmonary Society but did not attend the conference. A 25-item questionnaire was used to collect information on PR. Results Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The response rate was 40%. Results show that only one-third of Lebanese chest physicians have good knowledge about the nature and multidisciplinary content of PR. Physicians generally support the current “Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program” in Beirut. Key barriers found are the lack of referral, lack of motivation by patients due to their health, cost of care and lack of qualified health care specialists in Lebanon. Conclusion Absence of awareness and education about PR among healthcare providers plays an important role in increasing access to the “Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program”. Awareness campaigns and education for physicians, health care professionals and patients should be considered to increase PR in the country.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation among physiotherapists in Lebanon

“…Several studies conducted have demonstrated the importance of the role played by the PT in the promotion of CR. PT act as a bridge between patients and other healthcare professionals, and this has been confirmed by diverse findings and has been recommended by international guidelines and the WHO [ 5 ] and is highlighted by our results. PT’s qualifications and their ability to screen, diagnose, and provide appropriate treatment or referral have positioned them as important providers of quality health care within the primary care team [ 8 ].…”

“…The PT roles include health education, direct interventions, research, advocacy, and collaborative consultation [ 5 ]. PT plays a major role in this according to the American Physical Therapy Association and World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) [ 3 , 4 ]: first, in the management of the diseases and, second, in the overall health promotion of the population.…”

Barriers and Enablers to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals

“…This finding is consistent with a Lebanese study which attributed lack of patient referral to PR by chest physicians to absence of awareness and education about PR. 37 Consequently, the lack of awareness of PR benefits or value translates into under-funding or under-resource allocation for the service. This is not surprising because LMIC governments have restricted budgets and must prioritise investment in healthcare interventions that are perceived https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S348663…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Physiotherapists about Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Adherence among Patients Discharged from the Hospital after Cardiac Surgery in India

“…Te signifcance of the function played by the PT in the promotion of CR has been shown by numerous studies. Te role of PT in bridging the gap between patients and other healthcare providers has been supported by a number of fndings, is advocated by worldwide guidelines and WHO, and is underlined by our results [17]. PTs are signifcant contributors to the primary care team as vital providers of high-quality healthcare due to their credentials and capacity to screen, diagnose, and prescribe the proper treatment or referral [18].…”