Physiotherapy management of patients with coronary artery disease: a report on current practice in South Africa

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a worldwide health problem with  an  increased  prevalence  in  sub-Saharan  Africa.  Physiotherapists  inter-nationally  are  involved  in  the  care  of  these  patients  from  the  acute  stage following  a  cardiac  event  until  phase  III  cardiac  rehabilitation  is  completed.  The  purpose  of  this  study  was  to  determine  the  current  physiotherapy management  of  patients  with  CAD  in  South  Africa.  An  observational  cross-sectional  study  was  conducted  over  two  months  with  a  questionnaire  that  was  sent  to  the  government  and  private  health  care  sectors.  Results  showed  that  more  cardiopulmonary  physiotherapists  provided  care  (62%)  than  those who  didn’t  (38%).  Care  was  mostly  provided  in  a  hospital  setting  (81%)  and  out- patient phase III cardiac rehabilitation was lacking (11%). In-hospital physiotherapy treatment was mostly provided once daily. Deep breathing exercises (99%), circulatory exercises (95%) and manual chest clearance techniques (88%) were mostly used during physiotherapy. Evidence based practice was consistent regarding early mobilization but was inconsistent with regards to the use of manual chest clearance techniques.