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SAGE Publications, Chronic Respiratory Disease, (20), p. 147997312311773, 2023

DOI: 10.1177/14799731231177316

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Symptoms burden and rehabilitation preference after an episode of COVID-19: A patients survey

Journal article published in 2023 by Munyra Alhotye ORCID, Enya Daynes ORCID, Charlotte Gerlis, Sally J. Singh
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Background After COVID-19 infection, individuals can experience a variety of symptoms that might require further treatment. Early data showed the value of adapted pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and technology-based interventions. To develop appropriate services, it is important to understand the symptom burden and the preferred mode of rehabilitation delivery. Methods Post-hospital discharge (H) and post-community-managed (C) individuals received a follow-up call. A survey was completed to assess the most burdensome symptoms for which the patients would require support and their preference for the mode of rehabilitation delivery. Results Overall, 160 individuals who received a follow-up call completed the survey (51.2% male, mean [SD] age 54 [15] years) and 126 (78.8%) were post-hospital, while 34 (21.3%) had community-managed infections. A total of 101 (63.1%) reported that COVID-19-related symptoms were affecting their daily activities, and 106 (66.3%) reported their desire to be more active. The most common symptoms identified as needing support were fatigue and shortness of breath. Both groups expressed a preference for a face-to-face group programme (C: 54.8%; H: 46.8%), while (38.7%) of post-community-managed individuals and (40.3%) post-hospital patients preferred a supported digital rehabilitation programme. Few opted a non-digital home-based programme (C: 3.2%; H:12.9%, respectively). Conclusion The survey responses indicated a significant symptom burden that may benefit from an intervention such as rehabilitation. Preferences for rehabilitation indicated that a face-to-face intervention was preferred by the majority, with a large proportion preferring digital intervention.