Back to Search Start Over

From the Editor

Authors :
Christopher Villarreal
Annie Gumieny
Diane Longnecker
Emelia Exum
Brian L. Hull
Alan Chong W. Lee
Source :
The Journal of ambulatory care management. 43(3)
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow, with 19% of total confirmed patients classified as severe or critical experiencing complications such as dyspnea, hypoxia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or multiorgan failure These complications require rehabilitative care Considering the contagious nature of COVID-19 and the necessity to decrease the volume of health care professionals entering confirmed COVID-19 patient rooms and becoming a potential disease vector, can audiovisual technologies employed by telehealth and telerehabilitation help? Case Description: This case discusses the Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehab (BSWIR) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) department COVID-19 acute care therapy team's creation of a telehealth strategy to provide early rehabilitative intervention without increasing the odds of disease transmission Outcomes: The COVID-19 therapy team created a simple process for identifying and triaging care for patients with possible or confirmed COVID-19 These patients were evaluated and treated by the dedicated team using telehealth strategies A structured risk-benefit analysis was used to determine when in-room care was indicated Discussion: Acute care physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology telehealth strategies can add value by mitigating COVID-19–related harm and influencing recovery, while not unnecessarily becoming additional disease vectors consuming personal protective equipment COVID-19 is not only an aggressive respiratory illness similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome but also highly contagious and a risk for health care providers Telehealth strategies allow therapists to intervene early, opening the possibility to maximize recovery and prevent harm or decompensation Telehealth strategies can be more prevention-focused while the patient is experiencing relatively good health with goals to maximize strength and endurance before the disease process evolves to critical illness As COVID-19 progresses, therapy can help mitigate potential complications associated with prolonged intensive care unit stay and ventilator management

Details

ISSN :
15503267
Volume :
43
Issue :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
The Journal of ambulatory care management
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1c8ea19d78601c1728cb164637c5d7f2