Expectations of Patients Recovering from SARS-CoV-2 towards New Forms of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Migała M, Płonka-Syroka B, Rasławska K, Skolik B, Spielvogel I, Piechota K, Hołodnik D, Hagner-Derengowska M.
Thematic Area
Rehabilitation paths
Summary
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of patients attending an innovative technology-enhanced pulmonary rehabilitation program of National Health Found Program in Poland.
The study included two groups of patients participating in post-COVID-19 stationary rehabilitation. Patients from group I (127 individuals) contracted COVID-19 in 2020, while patients from group II fell ill in 2021 (68 individuals). The study used a self-administered questionnaire. This study was designed as an acceptability study. In the experience related to COVID-19 in both groups of the respondents, the possibility of undertaking inpatient rehabilitation in a hospital ward played an important and positive role. Patients who experienced COVID-19 symptomatically expected that rehabilitation would eliminate the related dysfunctions, such as reduced respiratory efficiency of the lungs, disorders of the nervous system, and cognitive disorders (the so-called brain fog). All respondents who experienced symptomatic COVID-19 positively assessed the rehabilitation program offered. Among the highest-rated rehabilitation, elements were identified: exercise on a cycle ergometer implemented with video stimulation, group fitness exercises, and breathing exercises. Other innovative forms of rehabilitation were positively evaluated by 10% to 25% of patients.
Relevance
The article can be helpful in designing rehabilitation programs for patients after suffering from COVID-19 in Poland. It shows what are the needs and expectations of this group in terms of rehabilitation and its effects, and which elements of rehabilitation are rated the highest by them.
Keywords
COVID-19, inpatient rehabilitation, disease experience, disability, convalescence