Out of the over 36,000 cases of COVID-19 in the country as of the latest count, almost 10,000 have recovered. But for many of the patients who manage to survive severe COVID-19, rehabilitation is only the next stage of the fight.
COVID-19 patients who were placed in intensive care units may have rehabilitation needs related to the effects of intubation and ventilation as well as prolonged immobilization and isolation from loved ones. Some of these effects include impaired lung function, physical deconditioning and weakness, difficulty in swallowing and speaking, mental health issues like depression, delirium and cognitive impairment, and the need for continuing psychosocial support.
Those with other underlying diseases or older persons may have greater needs. Rehabilitation plays a critical role in early discharge and in preventing relapse and readmission. Rehabilitation services for survivors need to be a part of pandemic preparedness and planning as care for the patients does not end upon discharge from the hospital.
The University of the Philippines in partnership with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center is presenting the 11th installment of the webinar series “STOP COVID DEATHS: Clinical Management Updates” this Friday, July 3, at 12 n.n., focusing on “Rehabilitation for Critical Care Survivors of COVID-19”.
Dr. Celso F. Bate, physiatrist at The Medical City and VRP Medical Center, will be discussing interventions based on frontline practice, as well as options for the continuation of rehabilitation through inpatient, outpatient, home-based or telehealth services.
The UP “STOP COVID DEATHS: Clinical Management Updates” is held every Friday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Registration slots are limited, so sign up now: bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar11.
