Knowledge and perceptions regarding pulmonary rehabilitation amongst Ecuadorian physicians following COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation is already an established technique for patients with chronic respiratory disease, aimed at improving breathlessness, exercise capacity, health status, and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions about pulmonary rehabilitation post-COVID-19 infection among Ecuadorian physicians.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey-based study using a 27-item questionnaire to assess knowledge about specific topics related to pulmonary rehabilitation. The sample comprised Ecuadorian physicians who were currently enrolled in an active medical practice that included care for COVID-19 patients. Descriptive statistics were applied for demographic variables of interest. A chi-square goodness of fit test was used to determine whether the observed frequencies of each of the answers per query were within or outside of the expected frequencies by chance.Results: In total, 295 participants answered the survey, of which 57.3% were general practitioners. Most agreed that COVID-19-infected patients must be followed up with some measurement of respiratory function (81.4%, p=0.000), but only 18.3% (n=54, p=0.000) were aware of specific guidelines related to rehabilitation. 93.6% (n=276, p=0.000) considered that pulmonary rehabilitation provides a benefit of any kind to patients with past COVID-19 infection.Conclusions: Most physicians considered pulmonary rehabilitation beneficial following COVID-19. However, there is uncertainty on how to adequately follow-up patients, complementary tests, and specific guidelines outlining rehabilitative interventions.