Adaptations for rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic proposed by scientific organizations and rehabilitation professionals

Abstract

Objective To describe adaptations in the provision of rehabilitation services proposed by scientific and professional rehabilitation organizations to avoid interruptions to patients’ rehabilitation process and delays in starting rehabilitation in patients with COVID-19. Methods A narrative review approach was used to identify the recommendations of scientific and professional organizations in the area of rehabilitation. A systematic search was performed in the main data bases in 78 international and regional web portals of rehabilitation organizations. A total of 21 publications from these organizations were identified and selected. Results The results are presented in 4 categories: adequacy of inpatient services, including acute care services and intensive care unit for patients with and without COVID-19; adequacy of outpatient services, including home-based rehabilitation and tele- rehabilitation; recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and regulatory standards and positions during the COVID-19 pandemic expressed by organizations for protecting the rights of health workers and patients. Conclusion Health systems around the world are rapidly learning from actions aimed at the reorganization of rehabilitation services for patients who are in the process of recovery from acute or chronic conditions, and the rapid response to the rehabilitation of survivors of COVID-19, as well as from efforts in the prevention of contagion of those providing the services. LAY ABSTRACT In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which developed very rapidly worldwide, rehabilitation services were forced to modify and adapt the way they provide and deliver services. These measures were proposed and adopted across a wide range of countries, the changes proposed included the following measures: critical patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team providing early mobilization, respiratory, outpatient, and long-term care rehabilitation interventions. Home- based and community rehabilitation can be delivered through different strategies, such as telerehabilitation or direct care. The use of measures to prevent and protect against transmission of COVID-19 are necessary for all patients in rehabilitation care.

The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Cognitive Function and the Implication for Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Home-and community-based rehabilitation can be provided through various methods, such as telerehabilitation and direct care. COVID-19 transmission prevention and protection measures are required for all patients receiving rehabilitation care [87].…”

The Increasing Investment of Real Estate in the Health System—A Comparison between the USA and Europe

“…Such individuals will need mental health services to prevent the deterioration of survivors’, victims’, and medical professionals’ wellbeing. In a similar perspective, Lugo-Agudelo et al argued that the lingering requirement for rehabilitation centers stems from the inadequacy of services received by patients with or without coronavirus illness [ 20 ]. Therefore, this phrase implies that more people will invest in rehabilitation centers to ensure that patients receive the necessary care and do not succumb to the challenges they face amid the pandemic.…”

Countries Response for People With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Fewer were the declarations to continue with the care of people with rehabilitation needs and the long-term follow-up of PWD. These kinds of responses were timely and more creative on the part of a professional's associations ( 17 ). Only 35% of the countries had considerations about employment and financial protection of PWD and accessible education.…”

“…One study described the timely innovative proposals of scientific associations and rehabilitation professionals of different countries, focusing on delivering rehabilitation services, protection and prevention measures, physical distancing, isolation, hand washing, and disinfection measures in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic. In this way, measures to prevent and protect against transmission of COVID-19 are necessary for all patients in rehabilitation care around the world ( 17 ).…”

“…This information allows for knowing some of the adaptations and reorganization of the rehabilitation services carried out in different countries to the health emergency by COVID-19, which had an impact on PWD or with rehabilitation needs ( 17 , 18 ). Until now, it is known about the response to PWDs that some supranational organizations, rehabilitation associations, and some countries have had during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”