[Illness experiences, problems and needs of patients with post-COVID syndrome: What can we learn for medical rehabilitation?]

Abstract

The aim of this article was to present post COVID-19 patients' experiences in illness and rehabilitation 12 months after their medical rehabilitation. In addition, the experiences and perspective of members of rehabilitation teams on the perceptions, problems, and needs of COVID-19 rehabilitation patient were analysed.About 12 months after cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological COVID-19 rehabilitation, we conducted guided interviews (n=15) to collect patients' experiences. Additionally, three group discussions and five expert interviews with staff members (MA) from collaborating rehabilitation clinics were carried out and analysed using the content analysis method of Kuckartz.Even 12 months after rehabilitation, patients described substantial distress and limitations in daily life due to post COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). This stemmed from persistent symptoms, biographical disruptions, and changes in self-perception. A continuous fight for recognition of their condition and adequate care was evident. Besides undergoing physical therapy, patients required strategies for self-management and disease management. The experiences of staff members indicated changes from primarily physical to neurocognitive, psychosomatic, and socio-medical needs in post COVID-19 patients. Key topics included social medicine inquiries, existential and future anxieties, as well as coping with work-related challenges and disability.In expanding rehabilitation concepts, it is crucial to incorporate social medicine aspects, provide strategies for coping with persistent symptoms in daily life, and support the processing of the illness. Approaches such as outpatient and tele-rehabilitation, continuous prescriptions of therapeutic interventions, and reconsideration of inpatient rehabilitation measures can serve as strategies to address the multifaceted and persistent needs.