Home-based Respiratory Physiotherapy and Telephone-Based Psychological Support in Severe COVID-19 Patients

Prevalence of Altered Pulmonary Function Post-infection by COVID-19 and Impact of Participation in a Pilot Program of Comprehensive Rehabilitation in the Short and Medium-term

Some COVID-19 survivors may have respiratory and mental health sequelae, especially those who required hospitalization. The investigators hypothesize that the participation of a rehabilitation program composite by home-based respiratory physiotherapy and telephone-based psychological support will improve respiratory function, quality of life, and psychological status in severe COVID-19 patients.

In Peru, almost one million persons have survived COVID-19 and initial reports indicate that could exist long-term health damage. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a 6-week rehabilitation program following hospital discharge for patients who had severe COVID-19. The program includes 12 sessions of home-based respiratory therapy that the patient will carry out with a physiotherapist and 7 sessions of telephone-based psychological support bring by a psychologist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 75 years
• Be discharged from hospitalization with a COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis
• Be able of understanding study procedures
• Be able to give informed consent
• Required oxygen flow greater than 6lt/min or through a high flow device at any time during hospitalization
• Have been evaluated by the rehabilitation service at least once during the hospitalization

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications to six-minute walk test
• Contraindications to spirometry
• Complications during the baseline six-minute walk test
• Have neurological pathology, neuropathy, limb dysfunction, or other underlying physical disability that makes physical exercise impossible
• Be pregnant or breastfeeding
• Do not have access to the Internet or a telephone line
• Have previous lung diseases like asthma, COPD, fibrosis, or tuberculosis
• Moderate or severe heart disease (Grade III or IV, New York Heart Association)
• Have had another severe disease in the last six months
• Severe depression or suicidal intention
• Be taking any medication for depression, anxiety, or other medication prescribed by a psychiatrist prior to the onset of a COVID-19 condition
• Have cognitive impairment or sensory disturbance