[Occupational therapy intervention to improve autonomy in individuals postinfection by SARS-CoV-2]

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Therapy
• Infectious Disease Recovery

Background:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection can significantly impair functional capacity post-acute phase.
• Patients often require specialized rehabilitation to regain independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an occupational therapy program for enhancing autonomy in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients.
• To assess improvements in activities of daily living (ADL) post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal observational study of 36 patients in a functional rehabilitation setting.
• Occupational therapy intervention focused on ADL.
• Autonomy assessment at admission and discharge.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in basic ADL (P<.001) and instrumental ADL (P<.001) were noted.
• Patients did not fully regain pre-infection baseline levels, especially in instrumental ADL.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy-inclusive rehabilitation programs are effective for improving autonomy post-SARS-CoV-2.
• Further research may be needed to address persistent deficits in instrumental ADL.