KUMJ | VOL. 22 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 87 | JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024
Development of a Model One Stop Approach to Post-COVID-19 and other Rehabilitation Conditions
Adhikari P, Tamrakar D, Thakur C, Shakya R, Vaidya N, Acharya R, Shrestha J, Byanju Shrestha I
Abstract: Background
Post-COVID-19 cases can cause severe disabling symptoms and functional disabilities.
WHO recognizes the severity of the condition and publishes a standardised Case
Report Form to inform clinical management and public health response.
Objective
To determine the post-COVID-19 case load. A multidisciplinary team including a
diverse team were composed and priority intervention areas were identified through
a transdisciplinary approach eventually developing a Model One Stop Approach to
post-COVID-19 and other Rehabilitation Conditions.
Method
The COVID-19 cases recorded at Dhulikhel Hospital were monitored through phone
calls to post-COVID-19 complications. Patients were then invited for additional
clinical assessments. A diverse team conducted these assessments to identify the
needs for expanding a post-COVID-19 clinic and devised rehabilitation services based
on predefined criteria.
Result
A total of 550 respondents were included in the study. The proportion of males
(51.7%) was slightly higher than females (48.3%) with the majority of them being
Brahmin/Chettri. The primary comorbidities identified were diabetes (10.55%) and
hypertension (11.4%). Of the participants, about 50.73% experienced persistent
symptoms. About 17.8% reported lasting muscle-related problems, 12.1% had
persistent joint pain, and 33% faced temporary cardiac issues. Less than 10%
experienced enduring health problems related to vision, hearing, and sleep patterns.
Conclusion
After COVID-19, patients experienced cardiac and muscle-related issues, increasing
morbidity, financial burdens, and pressure on healthcare systems. With the need of
sustainable rehabilitation training package, Dhulikhel Hospital serves as a model for
a One-Stop Approach to post-COVID-19 and other rehabilitation conditions.
Keyword : Model, Persistent, Post-COVID-19, Rehabilitation, Symptoms