Knowledge and perception of pulmonary rehabilitation among physicians and physiotherapists in Southwest Nigeria: A mixed-method study

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the level of knowledge and perception of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among physicians and physiotherapists in Southwest Nigeria. Material and Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-method study was utilized, consisting of a cross-sectional survey which involved 183 physicians and 156 physiotherapists, and in-depth interviews among 6 purposively selected cardiopulmonary physiotherapists and pulmonologists. A survey instrument in 2024 was used to assess the level of knowledge and perception of PR. Quantitative responses were summarized in frequencies and percentages and analyzed using Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U tests with a level of significance set at α = 0.05. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results: 106 (57.9%) physicians and 146 (93.6%) physiotherapists had a good level of knowledge of PR. The majority, 92.3% and 98.7% of both the physicians and physiotherapists, respectively, had a positive perception of PR. Physiotherapists demonstrated significantly better knowledge ( p < 0.001) and more positive perception ( p = 0.006) of PR than physicians. More years of professional experience were associated with better knowledge of PR among physicians ( p = 0.045). Themes generated from the interviews were knowledge of PR and perception of PR. Definition of PR, indications for PR, benefits of PR, components of PR, and required professionals for PR were sub-themes under knowledge of PR. Cardiopulmonary physiotherapists demonstrated in-depth knowledge of PR by definition, while the pulmonologists defined it briefly. Knowledge of the indications, benefits, components, and required professionals for PR was satisfactory among all the interviewees. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of PR is suboptimal among physicians in southwest Nigeria but optimal among physiotherapists. More years of professional experience are associated with a good level of knowledge among the physicians. Physicians and physiotherapists in southwest Nigeria have a positive perception of PR.