Journal CME, February 2022: Patient-reported Functional Outcomes 30 Days after Hospitalization for COVID-19-Patient-reported Functional Outcomes article

Patient-reported Functional Outcomes article - pdf

Pdf Summary

The study evaluates patient-reported functional outcomes 30 days post-hospitalization for COVID-19. Conducted by researchers from various institutions, including the University of Washington and Oregon Health & Science University, and funded by the National Institute on Aging, the study was a cross-sectional analysis of 55 adult survivors aged 22-95. The research aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on activities of daily living (ADLs) and fatigue severity.<br /><br />Key findings include:<br />- 52% of participants reported new difficulties in basic ADLs (bADLs), 48% in instrumental ADLs (iADLs), and 69% had significantly worsened fatigue post-hospitalization.<br />- Average fatigue symptom severity increased significantly from pre-hospitalization scores (from 44.2 to 54.5).<br /><br />Exploratory analyses identified that:<br />- Increased initial COVID-19 symptoms predicted higher 30-day fatigue severity.<br />- Each additional day of hospitalization correlated with increased odds of fatigue worsening.<br />- Surprisingly, higher baseline body mass index was associated with reduced odds of new dependence in bADLs or iADLs.<br /><br />The study underscores that COVID-19 survivors often face new ADL difficulties and heightened fatigue, highlighting the need for early rehabilitation, advance care planning, and appropriate therapy referrals in post-acute care to improve functional outcomes. However, ongoing research is necessary to better understand and manage these impairments.

Keywords

COVID-19

functional outcomes

patient-reported

activities of daily living

fatigue severity

post-hospitalization

cross-sectional analysis

rehabilitation

adult survivors

National Institute on Aging