AAPM&R National Grand Rounds: The Future is Now, PM&R’s Role with Combating Long COVID-PM&R’s Role with Combating Long COVID

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel discussed the impact of long COVID and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) on patients, as well as the role of physiatrists in managing these patients. They emphasized the need for interdisciplinary rehabilitation across the continuum of care, including during the acute hospital stay, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation. The panel also discussed specific symptoms associated with long COVID and PASC, such as fatigue, cognitive fog, psychological symptoms, and autonomic dysfunction. They highlighted the importance of a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plans for patients experiencing these symptoms. The panel mentioned the development of post-COVID clinics and the need for clinical protocols and guidelines for managing long COVID and PASC patients. They also mentioned the use of different rehabilitation strategies, such as cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation, to address specific symptoms and improve functional outcomes. The panel acknowledged the economic impact of COVID-19 on patients and the additional stress and challenges it can cause. Overall, the panel emphasized the important role of physiatrists in coordinating and providing rehabilitation care for long COVID and PASC patients and the need for further research and collaboration in this field.

Keywords

long COVID

PASC

physiatrists

rehabilitation

symptoms

evaluation

treatment plans

post-COVID clinics

rehabilitation strategies

functional outcomes

research