Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Rhode Island during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the practice of medicine. We interviewed Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist physicians providing rehabilitation services throughout Rhode Island to organize a narrative assessing the pandemic's impact on the state's rehabilitation community and the responses of its leaders. Almost half of rehabilitation providers needed to suspend their services during the initial peak of the pandemic. Most experienced reductions in the size of their practices, as well as personnel issues that contributed to burnout. All physicians used telemedicine to connect with patients. Many reported issues with accessing personal protective equipment and providing clinical opportunities for trainees. Inpatient rehabilitation policies and practices helped to maintain access for COVID-positive and negative patients, yet challenges were faced when configuring physical space to abide by CDC social distancing guidelines and providing care without patient visitors. Despite setbacks, the pandemic outlined opportunities for improvement of healthcare organization and delivery.