The Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale: a tool to measure functional status over time after COVID-19. Issue 1 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klok, Frederikus A.; Boon, Gudula J.A.M.; Barco, Stefano; Endres, Matthias; Geelhoed, J.J. Miranda; Knauss, Samuel; Rezek, Spencer A.; Spruit, Martijn A.; Vehreschild, Jörg; Siegerink, Bob
• Is Part Of: European respiratory journal. Volume 56:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01494-2020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-1936

Abstract

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most attention has focused on containing transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and addressing the surge of critically ill patients in acute care settings. Indeed, as of 29 April 2020, over 3 million confirmed cases have been accounted for globally [1]. In the coming weeks and months, emphasis will gradually involve also post-acute care of COVID-19 survivors. It is anticipated that COVID-19 may have a major impact on physical, cognitive, mental and social health status, also in patients with mild disease presentation [2]. Previous outbreaks of coronaviruses have been associated with persistent pulmonary function impairment, muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, vocational problems, and reduced quality of life to various degrees [3–5]. An ordinal tool is proposed to measure the full spectrum of functional outcomes following COVID-19. This "Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale" can be used for tracking functional status over time as well as for research purposes. https://bit.ly/3cofGaa