gms | German Medical Science

Background and status of (inter)national research: The COVID-19 disease and its consequences are highly relevant for medical rehabilitation as hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients show very heterogeneous rehabilitation-relevant long-term consequences. This may impact the quality of life of patients with enormous physical and psychosocial consequences. So far, these have only been evaluated in a few, mainly short-term studies. It is unclear which factors are prognostically relevant for the course of disease recovery and in what way these factors affect it. Also, little is known about what role rehabilitation plays in recovery, and how patients are doing in the long term after their rehabilitation.

Question and objective: The study aims to gain insights into the course of COVID-19 for survivors during and after medical rehabilitation concerning their state of health and functionality. In addition, prognostic features for the disease course, empirical indications for successful rehabilitation measures, and starting points for improving rehabilitation measures will be identified.

Method or hypothesis: The study includes three work packages that take place in three participating rehabilitation clinics of different disciplines. Retrospective study: Sociodemographic and diagnostic data will be evaluated as part of a document analysis. Rehabilitants also receive standardized questionnaires 12 months after the rehabilitation. This serves as a supplement to the document analysis with information on the living situation and quality, mental health, cognitive functions, participation, and ability to work. A descriptive evaluation is carried out with a comparison of different subgroups. After maximum variation sampling, qualitative interviews on patients’ illness and experiences of care (n=16) will be implemented and evaluated using a narrative-analytical approach.

Cohort study: Over a period of 6 months, all patients who are newly admitted for rehabilitation in the facilities are intended to be recruited and surveyed at five-time points (admission, discharge, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after discharge) using standardized questionnaires on their state of health and functionality. Statistical analysis (description and regression) will be used to identify predictors associated with the course of recovery. Expert survey: Through interviews (n=16) and group discussions (n=3) with employees (doctors, therapists, social services) of the rehabilitation clinics, changes in care and their importance for the rehabilitation team as well as their cooperation will be reconstructed. The evaluation is meant to be based on content analysis.

Discussion: To optimize care, practical recommendations for the rehabilitation procedure of COVID-19 patients are essential. Rehabilitation research on COVID-19 is still in progress, therefore, studies assessing the long-term pattern of COVID-19 infection, the expected changes during and after rehabilitation, and the prognostic factors which may help ensure more effective rehabilitation for COVID-19 patients are crucial.

Appeal for practice: The study may help ensure more effective rehabilitation and optimization of post-COVID-19 patients.

Funding: Einzelförderung (BMG, DRV, BMBF, DFG, etc); 622-4102