Rehabilitation of the elderly patients after pneumonia caused by SARS-COV-2: the continuity of inpatient and outpatient stages

Abstract

Relevance: the steady increase in the number of patients with respiratory diseases caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, among which pneumonia accounts for up to 22%, creates global problems associated with the treatment of patients and their subsequent rehabilitation. The insufficiently understood long-term consequences of COVID-19 in combination with concomitant chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes require special tactics of rehabilitation, observation and treatment of older people, including remotely. Aim: to present up-to-date data on the feasibility, efficacy and safety of approaches to the rehabilitation of older patients after pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 Material and Methods: the analysis of modern domestic and foreign literature on the rehabilitation of older patients after pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 was carried out, the experience of organizing rehabilitation in real clinical practice was studied, taking into account the continuity of the inpatient and abulatory stages of rehabilitation. Results: the most promising for respiratory rehabilitation are the first two months after the acute period of coronavirus infection. The priority goals of providing medical care to older people within the framework of rehabilitation are to prevent or slow down functional impairments, helplessness, disability, maintain mobility and maintain mental health. Conclusion: rehabilitation of older patients at the outpatient stage after suffering from COVID-19 should begin, if possible, as early as possible. A thorough assessment of the clinical and functional status and a comprehensive treatment plan, which focuses on functional activity and return to participation in the life of society, depending on the individual characteristics of the person and the volume of medical services, will help each patient to maximize their condition and quality of life.