The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.

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