CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN DELIVERING CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

Abstract

Heart Failure (HF) is a major global health issue, requiring effective management strategies like Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) programs. Despite their benefits, CR programs have low participation rates due to various barriers. Understanding physiotherapists' perspectives is essential to improving CR utilization. This study evaluates physiotherapists' perceptions of CR and the barriers they face in Peshawar, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey of 200 physiotherapists in Peshawar assessed their views on CR, preferred delivery methods, perceived barriers, and referral decision factors. Results show that 88% believe CR improves fitness, and 75% recognize its effectiveness in reducing breathlessness. Hospital-supervised programs are preferred by 75%, focusing on weight management, stress management, and medication information. Key factors influencing CR referrals include low exercise tolerance (80%), patient education (78%), declining activity levels (77%), fatigue (71%), and mobility issues due to breathlessness (70%). Common barriers include lack of standardized protocols (73%), patient refusal and skepticism (73%), limited CR center availability (71%), and staff shortages (71%). Despite positive perceptions of CR, barriers like the lack of standardized protocols, limited center availability, and staff shortages hinder its utilization. Addressing these issues could enhance CR participation, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the HF burden in Pakistan.