Experiences of physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most fundamental challenge to the healthcare system in current generations. Physical therapists (PTs), as essential members of the healthcare team, were impacted substantially. Understanding their experiences during this unique and challenging time would help PTs manage the pandemic and future crises in healthcare. It may also reveal professional changes that may persist through the pandemic and beyond.

To describe the experiences of PTs in the New York metropolitan area during the initial wave of the pandemic.

This was an interpretive phenomenological study. Data were collected during 8 focus groups of 2-3 PTs each in August and September 2020 via videoconference. Audio recordings of the groups were transcribed, and data were coded in 3 rounds.

Twenty-two PTs from a range of settings participated. Four themes were identified: (1) Everything was disrupted; (2) It was not safe; (3) It was overwhelming; and (4) There was a professional transformation. In hospitals, participants described chaos, poor communication, and unsafe working environments. In outpatient settings, participants described job instability and challenges adapting to telehealth. As the pandemic progressed inpatient PTs felt safer, gained confidence, and became critical members of interdisciplinary care teams. Outpatient therapists adapted to telehealth and experienced rising caseloads as patients returned to therapy.

Physical therapists experienced a variety of challenges during the initial phases of the pandemic. As the pandemic progressed, they redefined practice.