JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, was first reported on December 31, 2019. Because it has only been studied for just over three months, there is still an incomplete understanding of the disease, in particular its sequelae and long-term outcomes. As well, very little has been written about the rehabilitation needs for patients with COVID-19 after discharge from acute care.

Objective:

The objective of this report was to answer the question “What rehabilitation do survivors of COVID-19 require?”. The question was stated within the context of a sub-acute hospital delivering geriatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

Methods:

Literature on COVID-19 and rehabilitation was accessed from April 6 to April 14, 2020. Research papers were accessed through Medline and through websites searched using the terms “COVID-19” or “novel coronavirus”, +/- “rehabilitation”. The terms “critical illness”, “severe acute respiratory syndrome” and “Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus”, +/- “rehabilitation” were also searched.

Results:

Three areas relevant to rehabilitation after COVID-19 were identified. First, details of how patients might present have been summarized: comorbidities, complications from an intensive care unit stay +/- intubation, and the effects of the virus on multiple body systems, including cardiac, neurological, cognition, and mental health. Second, suggested procedures regarding design of an inpatient rehabilitation unit for COVID-19 survivors, staffing issues, and considerations for outpatient rehabilitation have been made. Third, guidelines for rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology) following COVID-19 have been made, with respect to recovery of the respiratory system as well as mobility and function.

Conclusions:

A thorough assessment and individualized, progressive treatment plan which focuses on function, disability, and return to participation in society will help each patient to maximize their function and quality of life. Careful consideration of the rehabilitation environment will ensure that all patients have the most complete recovery possible.