COVID-19: The Effects on the Course, Outcomes, and Discharge Destination From Acute Rehabilitation

Abstract This study aimed to (1) describe the rehabilitation hospital course after diagnosis with COVID-19 and the impact on functional outcomes and discharge destination and (2) compare outcomes for patients with and without COVID-19-related debility. Design A descriptive cohort study was performed. Methods Retrospective data were collected for 63 patients aged >18 years with COVID-19- or non-COVID19-related debility between January 2015 and September 2020. Results Patients admitted with COVID-19-related debility had a mean length of stay of 20.35 days. 15.4% were transferred back to acute service, 92.3% required respiratory interventions, and 88.5% were discharged to the same residence. Patients with COVID-19-related debility were significantly older, required more respiratory interventions, and had a longer length of stay than the non-COVID-19 group. No significant differences were found in functional outcomes. Conclusions Functional outcomes improved, allowing most patients to return to their same residence. Clinical Relevance Patients with COVID-19-related debility responded to rehabilitation as well as the non-COVID-19 group.