Experiences of Physical Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of Physical Therapists (PTs) in the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in an area where the pandemic was initially very intense. DESIGN: This was a qualitative study with an interpretive phenomenological approach. Data were collected during 8 focus groups of 2-3 physical therapists each (n=22). SETTING: Focus groups were conducted via videoconference. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sampling strategy was used. To be included, participants had to be licensed PTs, worked in facilities in the NY metro area at the onset of the pandemic (March 1, 2020), and had to have had direct patient-care responsibilities. Participant work settings included: acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, homecare, outpatient clinics, school systems, and skilled nursing facilities. INTERVENTIONS: This was a qualitative study without interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: An open, inductive coding process was used to identify codes, categories and themes. To improve trustworthiness the investigators took notes, debriefed, and maintained and audit trail. All 3 investigators participated in the coding process. RESULTS: Four themes emerged including: 1) Everything was disrupted; 2) It was not safe; 3) It was overwhelming; and 4) There was a professional transformation. In hospitals and skilled nursing, participants described chaos, inadequate communication, and unsafe working environments. In outpatient settings, participants experienced furloughs and layoffs along with challenges adapting to telehealth. As the pandemic progressed, inpatient PTs gained confidence and grew into new roles as essential members of interdisciplinary care teams. Outpatient therapists adapted to telehealth and and as patients returned to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapists experienced extreme challenges during the initial phases of the pandemic. As the pandemic progressed, they redefined practice in ways that will be instructive as the pandemic continues. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: The authors of this study have no disclosures to acknowledge.