The Stanford Hall consensus statement for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation

Abstract

The highly infectious and pathogenic novel coronavirus (CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2, has emerged causing a global pandemic. Although COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, evidence indicates a multisystem disease which is frequently severe and often results in death. Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 are unknown, but evidence from previous CoV outbreaks demonstrates impaired pulmonary and physical function, reduced quality of life and emotional distress. Many COVID-19 survivors who require critical care may develop psychological, physical and cognitive impairments. There is a clear need for guidance on the rehabilitation of COVID-19 survivors. This consensus statement was developed by an expert panel in the fields of rehabilitation, sport and exercise medicine (SEM), rheumatology, psychiatry, general practice, psychology and specialist pain, working at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, UK. Seven teams appraised evidence for the following domains relating to COVID-19 rehabilitation requirements: pulmonary, cardiac, SEM, psychological, musculoskeletal, neurorehabilitation and general medical. A chair combined recommendations generated within teams. A writing committee prepared the consensus statement in accordance with the appraisal of guidelines research and evaluation criteria, grading all recommendations with levels of evidence. Authors scored their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 0–10. Substantial agreement (range 7.5–10) was reached for 36 recommendations following a chaired agreement meeting that was attended by all authors. This consensus statement provides an overarching framework assimilating evidence and likely requirements of multidisciplinary rehabilitation post COVID-19 illness, for a target population of active individuals, including military personnel and athletes.

Management of post-acute covid-19 in primary care

“…Many patients are still recovering spontaneously in the first six weeks after acute covid-19 and do not generally require fast-track entry into a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Those who have had significant respiratory illness may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, defined as “a multidisciplinary intervention based on personalised evaluation and treatment which includes, but is not limited to, exercise training, education, and behavioural modification designed to improve the physical and psychological condition of people with respiratory disease.”43 In the context of covid-19, rehabilitation is being delivered by various virtual models, including video linked classes and home education booklets with additional telephone support. We describe one such programme in the supplementary material on bmj.com.…”

“…We found no published research evidence on the efficacy of either pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions on fatigue after covid-19. Patient resources on fatigue management45 and guidance for clinicians on return to exercise43 and graded return to performance for athletes (box 4) 46 in covid-19 are currently all based on indirect evidence.…”

“…Cardiopulmonary complications include myocarditis, pericarditis, myocardial infarction, dysrhythmias, and pulmonary embolus; they may present several weeks after acute covid-19. They are commoner in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease,49 but they have also been described in young, previously active patients 435354. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, including viral infiltration, inflammation and microthrombi, and down-regulation of ACE-2 receptors 515354…”

“…The clinical priority is to separate musculoskeletal and other non-specific chest pain (for example, the symptom described by a large patient-led survey as “lung burn”4) from serious cardiovascular conditions. Clinical assessment of the post-acute covid-19 patient with chest pain should follow similar principles to that for any chest pain: a careful history, taking account of past medical history and risk factors, a physical examination, backed up as indicated by investigations (infographic) 43. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, or the patient is acutely unwell, urgent cardiology referral may be needed for specialist assessment and investigations (including echocardiography, computed tomography of the chest, or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging).…”

“…Lay accounts suggest that post-acute covid-19 is often associated with low mood, hopelessness, heightened anxiety, and difficulty sleeping 6. Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur, especially in healthcare workers and others with caring responsibilities 151643…”