Readiness of clients in returning to face-to-face therapy in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic: A preliminary study

Abstract

Background: The Clinic for Therapy Services (CTS) has considered reverting to face-to-face service delivery due to the downward trend in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. However, the clinic has yet to investigate the willingness of the clients to this mode as a basis for its effective implementation.

Objectives: The study described the readiness of CTS clients in returning to face-to-face therapy amidst the pandemic. It also discussed the factors affecting readiness based on a survey.

Methods: Fifty-five screened survey responses on the readiness of clients in returning to face-to-face therapy were gathered from January 30 to February 28, 2021. These underwent retrospective data analysis. Eight prospective online key informant interviews were conducted for clarifications in May 2022. This study utilized a descriptive analysis of quantitative categorical variables and a thematic content analysis of qualitative data.

Results: The majority of the respondents (35) stated readiness to attend face-to-face therapy followed by those who answered “No” (11), “Maybe” (5), and others (4). Factors that may have affected readiness included travel, characteristics of face-to-face therapy, health conditions, vaccine, and COVID-19 concerns. Frequently preferred health and safety strategies were the provision of hygiene products, disinfection, limited people inside the clinic, separate therapy areas, and ventilation.

Conclusion: Most of the respondents expressed willingness to receive face-to-face therapy in April or May of 2021. Feasibility of travel and decreased number of COVID-19 cases may have encouraged willingness to attend. Those who were hesitant reported concerns with traveling, characteristics of face-to-face therapy, health conditions, the COVID-19 situation, and the vaccine.