Implementation considerations for delivering inpatient COVID rehabilitation: A qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare management
• Infectious disease rehabilitation
• Implementation science

Background:

• Patients with severe COVID-19 infections require rehabilitation.
• Implementing rehabilitative care is challenging due to COVID-19 infection control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the rapid implementation of a COVID zone in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital during the initial phase of the pandemic.
• To identify successes and challenges in delivering rehabilitative care within this specialized unit.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
• Conducted semistructured interviews with healthcare providers (n=12), patients (n=10), and family caregivers (n=5).

Main Results:

• Implementation was supported by middle management but hindered by conflicting expert opinions, poor communication, inadequate rehabilitation equipment, and time constraints.
• Staff willingness and self-efficacy were key individual characteristics influencing the process.

Conclusions:

• Rapid implementation of COVID rehabilitation zones faced significant challenges despite the need.
• Future research should address adapting services to changing pandemic restrictions and patient needs.