HMC work in COVID-19 featured in international journal

Oncology and Lymphedema Physiotherapy Department of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC’s) work to protect vulnerable during COVID-19 has been featured in a prestigious international medical journal.

The Rehabilitation Oncology Journal – the official quarterly publication of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has accepted to publish the article, ”Physiotherapy Management Response for Lymphedema patients amid COVID-19 Pandemic in the State of Qatar: A Perspective Study.”

During COVID-19 many of HMC’s usually face-to-face services were converted to telemedicine – phone and online consultations – to ensure patients had access to the care they needed.

The Oncology and Lymphedema Outpatient Physiotherapy Department located at HMC’s Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) had to quickly pivot and develop strategies for their patients.

Noora Al Mudahka, Chief of Physiotherapy at HMC and one of the authors of the study said, “During COVID-19 we needed to work within Qatar’s own restrictions as well as international guidelines for infection prevention and control of spread of COVID-19 and also to maintain the continuity of care for patients with cancer, who are uniquely vulnerable because of their susceptibility to infections as a consequence of systemic immunosuppression and chemotherapy, or during recovery from recent surgery.”

“Our experience suggests that a hybrid system of face to face and tele/virtual consultations may provide an opportunity to improve accessibility to lymphedema care and reduce waiting time and may thereby become a sustainable model of care even after the pandemic,” Noora Al Mudahka, Chief of Physiotherapy at HMC said.