Abstract
Dear Editor,
Covid-19 has become one of the most feared infectious diseases in human history. This is not surprising as it is highly contagious and has no recognised cure to date [1]. As a result, many healthcare professionals may not have confidence to be in the front-line to fight the pandemic [2]. This is compounded by the lack of personal protective equipment and specific training. However, physiotherapists have a role to play in managing the patients with Covid-19 [3], particularly as respiratory problems and respiratory failure are common symptoms of the disease.
Similarly, patients with Covid-19 may require rehabilitation to improve function both during and after recovery [4]. However, it is an ethical requirement when managing these patients to protect oneself and others from exposure to the disease [5]. Thus, managing these patients requires not only the appropriate clinical skills, but the understanding and ability to protect oneself and others from contracting the disease.
In the UK, there are highly trained physiotherapists whose work is to manage some of the world’s most infectious diseases such as Ebola and Lassa fever [6]. Consequently, these could serve as a model for the physiotherapy profession. There is justification to establish a speciality in the management of infectious diseases, with basic courses at the undergraduate level and specialisation at the postgraduate.