COVID-19 patients require multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approaches to address persisting symptom profiles and restore pre-COVID quality of life. Issue 5 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faghy, Mark A; Maden-Wilkinson, Thomas; Arena, Ross; Copeland, Robert J; Owen, Rebecca; Hodgkins, Henry; Willmott, Ash
• Is Part Of: Expert review of respiratory medicine. Volume 16:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 595
• Page End: 600
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- long-COVID -- rehabilitation -- recovery -- respiratory -- infections -- long term conditions; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2063843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6348

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Long-COVID diagnosis is prominent, and our attention must support those experiencing debilitating and long-standing symptoms. To establish patient pathways, we must consider the societal and economic impacts of sustained COVID-19. Accordingly, we sought to determine the pertinent areas impacting quality of life (QoL) following a COVID-19 infection. Research methods: Three hundred and eighty-one participants completed a web-based survey (83% female, 17% male) consisting of 70 questions across 7 sections (demographics, COVID-19 symptoms; QoL; sleep quality; breathlessness; physical activity and mental health). Mean age, height, body mass and body mass index (BMI) were 42 ± 12 years, 167.6 ± 10.4 cm, 81.2 ± 22.2 kg, and 29.1 ± 8.4 kg.m 2, respectively. Results: Participant health was reduced because of COVID-19 symptoms (' Good health ' to ' Poor health ' [ P < 0.001]). Survey respondents who work reported ongoing issues with performing moderate (83%) and vigorous (79%) work-related activities. Conclusions: COVID-19 patients report reduced capacity to participate in activities associated with daily life, including employment activities. Bespoke COVID-19 support pathways must consider multi-disciplinary approaches that address the holistic needs of patients to restore pre-pandemic quality of life and address experienced health and wellbeing challenges. Plain Language Summary: The long-term impact of long-COVID has a dramatic impact upon daily activities and lifestyle. The development of bespoke support pathways to support patients must address the physical and psychological considerations to adequately restore pre-COVID quality of life and address broader societal and economic implications, especially for those that are of working age.