Leveraging and learning from the long COVID experience: Translating telerehabilitation into practice

Issue title: Special Section: Advancements in Telehealth

Guest editors: Gholamreza Hassanzadeh, Albert T. Anastasio, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin and Ardalan Shariat

Article type: Article Commentary

Authors: Gustavson, Allison M.^{a; b; c; *} | Rauzi, Michelle R.^{d; e} | Rasmussen, Alana^f | Raja, Bhavana^g | Kim, June^h | Davenport, Todd E.^g

Affiliations: [a] Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA | [b] Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, USA | [c] Minneapolis VA Rehabilitation & Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement & Reintegration (RECOVER), Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA | [d] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA | [e] Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-centered and Value Driven Care, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA | [f] Rehabilitation and Extended Care, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, MN, USA | [g] Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA | [h] Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Stockton, CA, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Allison M. Gustavson, PT, DPT, PhD, Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 1 Veterans Drive, Mail Code#152, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA. Tel.: +1 612 467 3406; E-mail: allison.gustavson@va.gov.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Telerehabilitation, or the delivery of rehabilitation services through telehealth platforms, has existed since the late 1990 s. Telerehabilitation was characterized by unprecedented, exponential growth at the beginning of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Medical systems sought to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission by using telerehabilitation to limit physical proximity during routine care. This dramatic change in how medical care was delivered forced many professions to adapt processes and practices. Following the change, debates sparked regarding the best path to move forward for the betterment of patients, clinicians, systems, and society. Long COVID has emerged as a complex chronic health condition arising from COVID-19. The unique needs and dynamic disease process of Long COVID has incentivized medical systems to create equitable ways for patients to safely access interdisciplinary care. OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this commentary is to describe what medical systems must consider when deploying high-quality telerehabilitation to deliver rehabilitation through asynchronous (e.g., text, portal) and synchronous modalities (e.g., phone or video). We highlight lessons learned to help guide decision-makers on key actions to support their patients and clinicians. METHODS:Not applicable. RESULTS:Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS:Key action steps from our lessons learned may be used to address complex chronic health conditions such as Long COVID and prepare for future challenges that may disrupt medical systems.

Keywords: Telehealth, virtual care, rehabilitation, post-COVID conditions, care delivery, chronic disease

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230731

Journal: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1567-1571, 2024