Role of occupational therapy in the management of long-term functional impairments post-COVID-19: An evidence-based clinical summary

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created new challenges in the healthcare system. After severe COVID-19 illness, most of the patients experience a variety of long-lasting health impairments that require rehabilitative services. The rehabilitative services are highly significant for those with underlying health conditions, older adults, and those who have been deconditioned due to social isolation and lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This evidence summary indicates that the occupational therapy workforce dealing with COVID-19 survivors must be ready to manage the full range of consequences, such as breathlessness, fatigue, muscle weakness, delirium, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cognitive deficits. Further, recent research studies indicated that COVID-19 survivors would need an individualized program which may include strength and endurance training, energy conservation techniques, self-management of symptoms, self-care, vocational, and community-based rehabilitation. This evidence-based summary discusses how occupational therapists can provide evidence-based interventions for COVID-19 survivors.