Variability and Challenges in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Practices across India: Insights from a Nationwide Survey.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is vital for managing chronic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to assess PR practices in India, focusing on quality standards, provider affiliations, service offerings, and structural components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among Indian cardiopulmonary physiotherapists via WhatsApp, Facebook, and Gmail, covering demographics, structural, process, and outcome quality indicators, and PR delivery challenges. RESULTS: Of 50 respondents, 54% were affiliated with educational institutions, and 46% with private establishments. Significant variability in PR practices was observed, primarily in urban areas. Key challenges included limited awareness, accessibility issues, inadequate interdisciplinary teamwork, and lack of standardization. Structural elements varied, with inconsistent team compositions and uneven resource distribution. Only 36% of centers conducted regular audit meetings, and many lacked essential emergency equipment. CONCLUSION: The survey highlights the need for standardized protocols and national guidelines to improve PR service consistency and quality in India. Emphasizing multidisciplinary teams, regular audits, and comprehensive data collection can enhance PR delivery and outcomes. Further research is needed to develop robust, evidence-based PR programs across diverse settings in India.

Beyond COVID-19: Evidence-Based Consensus Statement on the Role of Physiotherapy in Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the Indian Context.

Post COVID-19 sequelae includes breathlessness, weakness, fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance and impaired quality of life. Physiotherapy based rehabilitation program is an essential component for post COVID-19 patients in facilitating maximum functional recovery. Expert consensus statements are available from the developed countries. There is a need for a guidelines to manage post COVID-19 sequelae in Indian context. The objective of this consensus statement is to provide evidence informed guidelines for post COVID-19 physiotherapy management as a component of pulmonary rehabilitation. This consensus statement was developed by expert panel across India. Published literatures were appraised and used to prepare the recommendations. This is the first of its kind of work providing preliminary guidelines for post COVID-19 physiotherapy.