Joint statement on the role of respiratory rehabilitation in the COVID-19 crisis: the Italian position paper (March 2020)

Summary

This blog from the European Respiratory Society, discusses a joint statement that was signed by individuals working on behalf of the Italian Thoracic Society (ITS - AIPO), Association for the Rehabilitation of Respiratory Failure (ARIR) and the Italian Respiratory Society (SIP/IRS).

They conclude that the dramatic spread of the current COVID-19 epidemic in Italy has spurred into action also respiratory rehabilitation specialists (pulmonologists and respiratory therapists), who have been engaged for years in the care of patients with disabilities secondary to respiratory diseases and/or conditions. Their experience acquired in the management of chronic and acute respiratory failure is proving to be a fundamental asset for the management of patients during COVID-19 epidemic. Hence, it is likely that the reorganisation involved in taking care of this scenario will not be a short-term matter.