The Recovery Journey and the Rehabilitation Boat - A qualitative study to explore experiences of COVID-19 rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction There are early data to suggest that a rehabilitation programme can help with on-going symptoms of COVID-19, including breathlessness, exercise limitation and fatigue. As yet, there are no published data to understand patients’ perceived acceptability of a rehabilitation programme for COVID-19. Methods 2 focus groups ( n = 9) and 4 one to one interviews were conducted with participants who attended a rehabilitation program following COVID-19. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Results Two overarching themes were generated from the data. The first, The Recovery Journey is sub-divided into five sub-themes of Expectations, Individual and Varied Journeys, Mental and Physical Improvements, Self-values and The Journey Continues. The second overarching theme, The Rehabilitation boat contains five subthemes: Programme Delivery, Safe and Supportive, Validation and Assurance, Shared Reflections and Education. Conclusion A rehabilitation programme for post COVID-19 symptoms was considered to be acceptable and viewed positively in terms of improving physical and mental symptoms. The opportunity to share the experience with others in the same boat was highly valued in the context of an unexpected and potentially lonely COVID-19 recovery.

Experiences of aftermath of COVID-19 in relation to social, financial and health related aspects among previously hospitalized patients: a qualitative exploration

“…Research has shown that social isolation and inactivity can result into despair (48,49). On the other hand, studies have reported that positive attitude toward life can help adopt a healthier lifestyle, which is a lesson learned from the pandemic (50)(51)(52). Consistent with previous work, our study also observed change in lifestyle as one of the direct outcomes of the pandemic.…”

“…A study in China reported similar experience that COVID-19 brought survivors closer to their family and friends (52). However, in explaining rehabilitation needs of COVID-19 survivors a study indicated that patients sometimes tended to refrain from sharing their experience of physical and psychological symptoms to spare their family members (50,56). Thus, culturally appropriate interventions to address future pandemics are desirable where the State can include family members in the rehabilitation process of patients.…”

How do people with long COVID utilize COVID-19 vaccination and rehabilitation services and what are their experiences with these services? results of a qualitative study with 48 participants from Germany

“…Various publications confirm the perceptions of some participants in this study and suggest that rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs and abilities lead to improvements in physical symptoms, performance, well-being, and quality of life for patients with long COVID [ 14 , 77 – 80 ]. Several studies report that multidisciplinary rehabilitation consisting of physical activity, disease-specific knowledge building, and psychotherapy sessions is helpful for affected individuals [ 80 – 82 ].…”

“…Currently, no treatments targeting the cause of the condition have been approved [ 7 ]. Research suggests that adapted rehabilitation interventions have a positive impact on the recovery process of people with long COVID [ 14 – 16 ]. Furthermore, studies show that first rehabilitation programs developed for long COVID patients [ 16 ] and certain existing programs adapted to the needs of those affected (e.g.…”

"There is no one who helps you with it." Experiences of people with long COVID regarding medical care, therapeutic measures, and barriers in the German healthcare system: results of a qualitative study with four focus groups

“…However, individual participants noted modest relief of symptoms following certain pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments (e.g., dietary changes, physical therapy) [43]. Similar to the respondents from this sample, other studies also indicate that group meetings supported by psychotherapists, tailored training programs with strength and endurance exercises, and adapted rehabilitation measures have a positive in uence on the recovery process of affected individuals [6], [49]- [51]. Davies et al [52] emphasize that close follow-up with people with long COVID during the rehabilitation process and education about health conditions are essential.…”