To describe and quantify type and sources of information reported in the media on the performance of phisyotherapists during COVID-19 pandemic.
A sensitive exploratory review of journalistic articles published in written and audiovisual media on the work of physiotherapists during COVID-19 pandemic was carried out by 3 independent researchers in Google Search with the application of filters and Boolean search operators. Communications associated with company advertising, academic institution advertising, articles from other countries, links to social networks, scientific studies and any other link that did not constitute a press release or the appearance of the physiotherapy in any media were excluded.
332 journalistic reports of work of physiotherapy in pandemics from various written and audiovisual media were identified. A total of 235 reports were excluded in 3 phases due to duplicity and lack of response to research questions. A total of 97 reports published between 2020 and 2021 were included in the final review, where 28.9% came from the digital press, 26.8% from academic websites, and 14.4% from health institutions. According to the topic covered, clinical work in UPC corresponded to 64.9%, followed by non-UPC clinical work (18.1%), and educational work (16.0%).
We report an exponential increase in the number of reports in press about physiotherapy compared with historic reports, mainly intensive physiotherapy, providing a showcase for the work of this profession to the general public.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of promoting physiotherapy as a critical element of healthcare systems, especially during pandemics and other public health emergencies. The visibility of physiotherapists in the media can positively impact how the profession is perceived, leading to long-term benefits in clinical practice, resource management, education, and policy advocacy.
COVID-19
Media
