Rehabilitation in the context of a pandemic by COVID-19: an experience report

Abstract

Background: The emergence of a new disease in China, caused by a strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), quickly had an impact worldwide, forcing a social and health restructuring. Objective: Report the experience of specialist nurses in rehabilitation nursing during the provision of specialized care in a cohort service of patients with COVID-19. Method: Experience report, descriptive and retrospective, referring to the professional practice of specialist nurses in rehabilitation nursing in a cohort service of patients with COVID-19, in a hospital in Northern Portugal, from February 2020 to July 2021. Results: Since the beginning of the pandemic, health services and professionals were required to have an unprecedented capacity to adapt, in order to manage more effectively the care provided to patients with COVID-19. Initially, rehabilitation nurses were fundamental in managing the team and determining the design, implementation and reformulation of care, always working to promote recovery, quality of life and reduce disability. In the records in the Clinic, it was found that the most frequent diagnostic activities and interventions were focused on respiratory rehabilitation, without, however, underestimating motor rehabilitation. Conclusion: The fact that some of the specialized interventions were not directly assured may have delayed the achievement of health gains. However, despite all the difficulties, specialist nurses in rehabilitation nursing played a major role in the transitions experienced by patients with COVID-19, without ever neglecting the involvement of caregivers.

Keywords

• rehabilitation nursing
• pandemic
• coronavirus infections