How long COVID rehabilitation services are helping a critical care patient recover from COVID after a long hospital stay.
Patient overview
The 55 year old male patient had no pre-existing conditions prior to contracting COVID in March 2020.
He was admitted into the critical care unit (CCU) at his local hospital. While acutely unwell he suffered a stroke. This left him with right sided arm and leg weakness. He also has problems with his swallow, communication difficulties, pain and severe fatigue.
From admission to discharge the patient spent 59 days in hospital.
Patient rehabilitation
Rehabilitation began whilst still in the CCU to support his recovery.
Rehabilitation continued once he was moved to an acute medical ward. He received intensive post-CCU rehabilitation to promote his mobility, improve his breathing and participation in activities of daily living.
Prior to discharge he was taught how to use healthcare technology. This meant he was able to receive a blended model of rehabilitation through both face to face and virtual therapy.
Once discharged from hospital, the Early Stroke Discharge Team and Community Neuro Rehabilitation Service supported him at home.
The patient received 16 weeks of intensive community rehabilitation.
This included:
- a wide range of interventions including upper and lower limb functional rehabilitation
- walking re-education
- breathing control
- communication therapy
- swallow therapy
- fatigue management
Throughout rehabilitation he was encouraged to self-care and self-manage to enhance his recovery. He was encouraged to learn skills to be able to better manage his condition longer term.
He is still receiving virtual rehabilitation from the Community Neuro Rehabilitation Service. This helps to further improve his walking, strength and exercise tolerance within the limits of his post COVID fatigue.