Rehabilitation program and challenges in managing hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a case series from Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic urged all healthcare providers to collaborate to defeat this mortal infection. SARS-CoV-2 almost hits the respiratory system and may have subsequent serious complications like pulmonary embolism and multi-organ damage. Objective To illustrate the rehabilitation program challenges encountered by physiotherapists in clinically managing hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The goal was to preclude the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and to improve the patient’s oxygen saturation and general health. Methods In this retrospective case-series study, we described the physiotherapy strategies implemented for 14 COVID-19 patients during the hospitalization period at an Egyptian governmental quarantine hospital. Results The rehabilitation program was customized by physiotherapists to accommodate the specific circumstances, conditions, and acquired complications of individual patients. Patients were under the care of physiotherapists in both the COVID ward and ICU. Overcoming challenges such as patient reluctance, co-morbidities, and the effects of aging was a task faced by these healthcare professionals. Consequently, the program had to be modified to suit the unique needs of each patient. These tailored programs encompassed techniques such as percussion, positioning, range of motion, circulatory exercises, and respiratory exercises. The patients exhibited positive responses to their designated physical therapy program, experiencing improvements on various levels based on the progression of their individual cases. Conclusion Physiotherapy has a major role in improving patient complications after being infected with COVID-19. In this desperate pandemic era, physiotherapists gave hospitalized patients support both psychologically and physically.