Developing our role
Nichole Yam talks about the occupational therapist ’ s role in a virtual cross-site post-COVID-19 critical care follow-up clinic in London .
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an influx of patients admitted to critical care with higher length of stay and rates of complications ( FICM 2019 ; NHS 2021 ).
The multi-system consequences of both critical illness and COVID-19 in impairing recovery is profound . Emerging evidence demonstrates how the combination of long-term physical , cognitive , psychological and social difficulties from COVID-19 alone are highly debilitating for survivors , impacting on their day-to-day function , identity , quality of life , as well as the wellbeing of their families and carers ( NHS 2021 ).
Long Covid is still yet to be fully understood . Common symptoms include fatigue , breathlessness , cough , pain , sleep disturbances , anxiety and depression , problems with memory or concentration , chest tightness and palpitations , joint and muscle pain , peripheral neuropathy and fever ( NICE 2020 ; RCOT 2021 ).
In addition to being admitted to critical care for severe COVID-19 , this patient population is moreover at higher risk of Post Intensive Care Syndrome ( PICS ), which may have a compounding impact on their physical , cognitive and psychological functioning ( FICM 2019 ).
Addressing the increased needs
Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in England , with four acute hospital sites that have critical care services admitting patients during the COVID-19 pandemic .
24 OTnews April 2022