Pages

Role of Physiotherapists in Malaria Management




 Hearing this at first most of the Physios wouldn't think Malaria is relevant to our profession. But as we move into the extended scope, I think that PTs should know our role in it.

First Role - Having the knowledge about Malaria

Awareness about Malaria, its types, classification, about cerebral malaria which can lead to neurological symptoms and seizures, diagnosis, management and prevention.
Severe malaria also leads to hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, anemia, dehydration. Its very important for PTs to know how to differentially diagnose Malaria from other Infectious diseases.
To read more about this click here.

The common errors while diagnosing Malaria is
Failure to think of malaria in a patient with either typical or atypical illness
Failure to elicit a history of exposure (travel history) - including travel within a country with variable transmission
Misjudgement of severity
Missed hypoglycaemia
Failure to diagnose other associated infections (bacterial, viral, etc.)
Misdiagnosis (e.g. influenza, viral encephalitis, hepatitis, etc.)
Failure to recognize respiratory distress (metabolic acidosis)

Second - If while taking history you figure it to be Malaria, refer the patient to the physician. 

Also make sure you make the patient aware about the condition and consequences of not undergoing the medical management. 

Third - Very important one. Follow the five Moments of hand hygiene Guidelines given by WHO (World Health Organization). 

This guidelines have to be followed while handling any infectious disease.





















To Download the Guidelines given by WHO  Click here.
To Download a book on Malaria by WHO and CDC Click here. 

Thank you.

Spread the knowledge . .

Gayatri Ajay Upadhyay
DrMitrPhysio