CARDIOPULMONARY EXPERTISE AMONG PUBLIC PHYSICAL THERAPISTS IN KUWAIT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is a vital aspect of physical therapy, particularly in regions like Kuwait, where cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are prevalent. However, the current level of cardiopulmonary expertise among public physical therapists (PTs) in Kuwait remains underexplored. This cross-sectional study assesses the expertise levels of PTs and identifies factors influencing their proficiency in cardiopulmonary care. Data were collected from 250 PTs across urban, suburban, and rural public healthcare settings. Key factors examined included education level, clinical experience, and access to continuing professional development (CPD). Results reveal that expertise levels vary significantly with higher expertise observed among PTs with advanced degrees and extensive clinical experience. Geographic disparities were noted, with urban PTs generally reporting higher expertise levels compared to their rural counterparts. Additionally, the absence of mandatory certification and limited access to CPD, particularly in rural areas, emerged as critical barriers to expertise development. These findings underscore the need for policy reforms to introduce structured certification programs and enhance access to CPD, particularly in underserved areas. By addressing these gaps, Kuwait can improve the quality of cardiopulmonary care and ensure more consistent healthcare standards across the nation. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of these strategies and consider similar assessments in other regions to further develop the understanding of cardiopulmonary expertise in diverse healthcare settings.