Establishing a Post-Acute Covid-19 AHP Led Rehabilitation Clinic

Aim We assessed the effectiveness of an AHP-led rehabilitation service for patients with Covid-19 respiratory failure post-discharge from Cavan Hospital. Methods Of the 140 patients discharged from Cavan hospital with Covid-19, from March to June 2020, 3.6% required MV or HFNC. Using BTS guidelines a pathway was established. Patients underwent a 6 week post discharge telephone assessment. Of the 12 eligible patients only four agreed to participate. Assessments included mMRC dyspnoea score, Nijmegen questionnaire and HADS score. Patients completed an 8 week program including aerobic and endurance training with interval training at 10 stations. Focussed strength exercise was added as required. Results All three patients who completed the program had a real (> 20%) improvement in 6MWT, mMRCC dyspnoea score (1.0) and HADS. No change was seen in O2 saturation. All patients improved on IMSTS (68%, 11% and 41%). Conclusion An AHP led clinic is a safe and cost effective means of providing pulmonary rehabilitation for patients following Covid-19 pneumonitis.