Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and composition of a codesigned, multidisciplinary, integrated, systematic rehabilitation framework for post-COVID conditions (PCC) that spans the care continuum to streamline and standardize rehabilitation services to support persons with PCC in Alberta, Canada.
Methods. A collaborative, consensus-based approach was used, involving 2 iterative provincial taskforces in a Canadian provincial health system. The first taskforce (59 multidisciplinary stakeholders) sought to clarify the requisite facets of a sustainable, provincially coordinated rehabilitation approach for post-COVID rehabilitation needs, based on available research evidence. The second taskforce (129 multidisciplinary stakeholders) translated that strategy and criteria into an operational framework for provincial implementation. Both taskforces sought to align with operational realities of the provincial health system.
Results. The summation of this collaborative, consensus approach resulted in the Provincial Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Response Framework (PCRF). The PCRF includes 3 care pathways across the care continuum, specifically targeting in-hospital care, continuing care, and community-based care, with 3 key elements: (1) the use of specific symptom screening and assessment tools to systematically identify PCC symptoms and functional impairments; (2) pathways to determine patients’ rehabilitation trajectory and to guide their transition between care settings; and, (3) self-management and education resources for patients and providers.
Conclusion. The PCRF aligns with international mandates for novel codesigned, multidisciplinary approaches to systematically address PCC and its myriad manifestations across the care continuum. The PCRF allows for local adaptation and highlights equity considerations allowing for further spread and scale provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Keywords: Rehabilitation, Health Services Administration, Health Care Reform, Critical Pathways
The PCRF is a framework for health systems to ensure consistent identification, assessment and management of the rehabilitation needs of postacute and chronic PCC. Rehabilitation providers and health systems can build from the PCRF for their local communities to reduce unmet needs and to advance the standardization of access to rehabilitation services for persons with PCC.
Contributor Information
Kiran Pohar Manhas, Neurosciences Rehabilitation & Vision Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Petra O’Connell, Neurosciences Rehabilitation & Vision Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Jacqueline Krysa, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Isabel Henderson, Clinical Operations, Emergency Coordination Centre/Readiness & Recovery Centre, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Chester Ho, Neurosciences Rehabilitation & Vision Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Elisavet Papathanassoglou, Neurosciences Rehabilitation & Vision Strategic Clinical Network™, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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