P27 The need for rehabilitation programme after an episode of COVID-19

BackgroundAfter COVID-19 infection, individuals can experience a variety of symptoms that might require further treatment. Early data showed that an adapted pulmonary rehabilitation programme may be a valuable intervention.1 It is anticipated that there will be a huge burden on current services to deliver a programme for patients with long term symptoms following COVID-19 infection and therefore there will need to be flexible alternative modes of delivery. Currently no data exists on the need for rehabilitation and the preferred mode of delivery.AimTo assess the need for rehabilitation programme following discharge from COVID-19 episode and understand patient preference.MethodPatients post hospital discharge (H) and the community managed (C) infection received a follow up call on average of 3 months after discharge as a part of routine clinical management. A survey was completed to assess their most significant symptoms they would seek help with and their preference for rehabilitation. The survey explored ongoing symptoms, level of activity and preferred mode of rehabilitation. Data was analysed using SPSS v25.ResultsA total of 160 patients completed the survey (51.2% male, mean [SD] age 54 [15] years). 126 (78.8%) were post hospital and 34 (21.3%) were community managed infections. 101 (63.1%) reported that COVID-19 related symptoms have affected their daily activities, and 106 (66.3%) reported their desire to be more active. The most common symptoms identified needing support were fatigue (C- 82.4%, H- 44.4%) and shortness of breath (C- 88.2%, H-48.4%). Both groups preferred face-to-face group programme (C- 54.8%, H- 46.8%), and (C-38.7%, H- 40.3%) preferred a supported digital rehabilitation programme or non-digital home based programme (C- 3.2%, H-12.9%) respectively (figure 1).Abstract P27 Figure 1Preferred rehabilitation programmeConclusionThe survey responses indicate a significant need for a support package of care. The majority preferred a face-to-face intervention; although a significant minority would prefer a digital intervention, regardless of mode there will be a substantial burden on services.ReferenceDaynes E, Gerlis C, Chaplin E, Gardiner N, Singh SJ. Early experiences of rehabilitation for individuals post-COVID to improve fatigue, breathlessness exercise capacity and cognition-A cohort study. Chronic Respiratory Disease. 2021;18:14799731211015691.