Occupational Safety and Health Practices among Physical Therapists in Metro Manila during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Authors

Zyra Mae V. Sicat, University of Santo TomasFollow
Paulin Grace M. Espino, University of Santo TomasFollow
Kristina B. Devora, University of Santo TomasFollow
Richard Lemuel Q. Budomo, University of Santo TomasFollow
Jewel Jace M. Abella, University of Santo TomasFollow
Barbara Nicole Y. Angeles, University of Santo TomasFollow
Giancarlo Philip H. Benzonan, University of Santo TomasFollow
Coby Jaleeyah Y. Chan, University of Santo TomasFollow
Erika L. Ignacio, University of Santo TomasFollow
Peter Oliver G. Palacio Jr., University of Santo TomasFollow
Julia Erin G. Tan, University of Santo TomasFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Zyra Mae V. Sicat: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4090-0228

Paulin Grace M. Espino: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4090-0228

Kristina B. Devora: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5250-8813

Jewel Jace M. Abella: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9238-0378

Barbara Nicole Y. Angeles: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7494-6486

Giancarlo Philip H. Benzonan: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0832-0909

Richard Lemuel Q. Budomo: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5250-8813

Coby Jaleeyah Y. Chan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7214-6127

Erika L. Ignacio: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7214-6127

Peter Oliver Jr. G. Palacio: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7214-6127

Julia Erin G. Tan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7214-6127

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is to protect and prevent workers from being exposed to risks and hazards that are detrimental to their health and safety. For the past two years, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most significant occupational health outcomes to physical therapists (PTs) due to the nature of their work. However, minimal studies have been conducted about the experiences and OSH practices of PTs during the pandemic. This study aims to understand the experiences of clinical PTs in Metro Manila, Philippines during the pandemic. The study also seeks to explore the OSH practices and responses of PTs to presenting occupational risks and hazards through a qualitative descriptive study design.

Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, a maximum variation purposeful sampling method will be used in recruiting an estimated total of twelve (12) participants. A preliminary questionnaire would be disseminated via Google Forms to determine the eligibility of potential participants. Data will be gathered through a one-to-one semi-structured online interview, which will be transcribed verbatim and recorded with audio and video. Both manual coding and software-aided coding (NVivo) will be utilized in the data analysis. Emerging themes will be identified using thematic inductive analysis.

Discussion: The results of the study may contribute to the formulation of better guidelines in handling infectious diseases even after quarantine restrictions are lifted. Furthermore, the findings will also provide the groundwork for the local body of knowledge in the Philippines and may serve as a future reference for research concerning OSH practices in physical therapy locally.

Recommended Citation

Sicat, Z. V., Espino, P. M., Devora, K. B., Budomo, R. Q., Abella, J. M., Angeles, B. Y., Benzonan, G. H., Chan, C. Y., Ignacio, E. L., Palacio, P. G., & Tan, J. G. (2022). Occupational Safety and Health Practices among Physical Therapists in Metro Manila during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study Protocol. Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy, 2(1):4-12. https://doi.org/10.46409/002.ATVP9654