Home-based and telehealth cardio-respiratory physiotherapy in northern Italy: a cross-sectional survey

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy (CRP) is an evidence-based process for individuals with both acute and chronic cardiorespiratory health conditions, yet access to center-based CRP in Italy is limited. Home-based and telehealth alternatives remain scarcely explored. This study investigated the status of CRP in the Lombardy region through a cross-sectional online survey distributed to physiotherapists registered with the Interprovincial Professional Register of eight provinces. A total of 388 responses were analyzed: 32 (8.2%) reported performing home-based CRP, and 9 (2.3%) reported telerehabilitation. Peripheral oxygen saturation was the most frequently assessed parameter (86%). Positive expiratory pressure devices were used for airway clearance (75%), and exercise reconditioning was consistently performed (79%). Variation was noted in lung re-expansion techniques, with some outdated methods still in use. Specific training in the use of telehealth facilities was often limited, and technological resources were essential for delivering telerehabilitation. The findings indicate that CRP beyond the clinic is still underutilized in Lombardy. Strengthening training programs and implementing standardized protocols could enhance access to and the quality of care. However, results are preliminary and limited by low representativeness and potential selection bias; therefore, they should not be considered generalizable.