COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused tremendous casualties and morbidities worldwide. Multisystem manifestations, including muscle weakness, dyspnea, cognitive decline, dysphagia, and dysarthria are frequently reported among critically ill patients. The resultant activity limitations and participation restrictions call for an organized and multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. While Taiwan had very low numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases throughout 2020, there was a rapid surge in community infection cases from May to July, 2021. This study discusses the process of building up a core treatment team and establishing a referral pathway for critically ill patients at a university hospital during this time in Taiwan. We also describe a case series of critically ill patients who received in-patient rehabilitation after medical stabilization. Our care clinical care module was established according to interim World Health Organization guidance and current researches and demonstrate a high degree of feasibility. Five patients with multiple impairments received in-patient rehabilitation and experienced significant functional improvement. Our clinical experience suggests considerable benefits to be obtained from a well-organized and multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for the severe COVID-19 patients.
A multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approach for people surviving severe COVID-19—a case series and literature review