Abstract
Background: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) affects about 10% of COVID-19 patients, causing persistent symptoms such as chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments, and depression. These symptoms reduce quality of life and work capacity and are therefore targeted in specialized rehabilitation programs. A rehabilitation center in Germany developed a four-week group-based PCS rehabilitation program focusing on energy management. This study provides insights into PCS rehabilitation and evaluates both rehabilitants’ and employees’ satisfaction with the program, as well as suggestions for improvement.
Methods: This study follows a prospective observational design using a mixed-methods approach. PCS rehabilitants completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of rehabilitation, assessing, among other things, satisfaction with rehabilitation and aspects of the rehabilitation process. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six employees and eight rehabilitants to explore the satisfaction with the rehabilitation approach from both perspectives. Interviews were analyzed using a deductive-inductive content analysis.
Results: In total, we received at least one questionnaire from 128 of 147 rehabilitants (87.1%). Although responses varied regarding the achievement of personal rehabilitation goals and changes in general health, more than 77% of rehabilitants rated the rehabilitation overall as “very good” or “good”. Interview results confirmed general approval of the concept and its adaptation, though further improvements were suggested. Transfer of learned skills into daily life remained a key challenge.
Conclusions: The PCS rehabilitation concept appears to be a suitable and generally well-accepted setting for post-COVID rehabilitants. However, it requires a highly individualized approach. Key elements (should) include pacing, self-management, empathetic care, and stimulus reduction. Screening of the potential rehabilitants and stronger integration of the home environment after the rehabilitation are essential to ensure long-term sustainability of outcomes.
Keywords
Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, Rehabilitation, Evaluation study, Health care surveys, Interview, Patient reported outcome measures, Fatigue, Return to work