Rehabilitation settings during and after COVID-19: An overview of recommendations

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this review is to identify the best evidence to define rehabilitative approaches to acute and post-acute phases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Methods: A literature search (of PubMed, Google Scholar, PEDro and Cochrane databases) was performed for relevant publications from January to April 2020. Results: A total of 2,835 articles were retrieved, and the search resulted in a final total 31 published articles. A narrative synthesis of the selected articles was then performed. Some studies examine the effect of the pandemic on rehabilitation services and provide suggestions for a new reorganization of these services. Other studies focus on COVID-19 sequelae, formulating recommendations for rehabilitative interventions. Conclusion: For COVID-19 patients, an integrated rehabilitative process is recommended, involving a multidisciplinary and multi-professional team providing neuromuscular, cardiac, respiratory, and swallowing interventions, and psychological support, in order to improve patients' quality of life. The intervention of a physician expert in rehabilitation should assess the patient, and a dedicated intervention set up after thorough assessment of the patient's clinical condition, in collaboration with all rehabilitation team professionals.