A Clinical Review of Physical Rehabilitation Protocol and Early Mobilization Patterns for Post-COVID-19 Patients: Tertiary Healthcare Facility Experience

Abstract

Several studies have emphasized the urgent need for Physical Rehabilitation guidelines for COVID-19 patients and the effect of Early Mobilization in these patients. Previous reports revealed that dealing with COVID-19 patients was based on expert opinion, evidence from patients with other lung diseases, and not on the recent literature concerning COVID-19. International guidelines have also reported that early mobilization is safe and feasible, starting in the ICU setting. Therefore, this clinical literature review aimed to designate the indications for physical rehabilitation programs and early mobilization benefits to add to the existing literature the necessary up-to-date recommendations and to share the experience of a tertiary healthcare facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in dealing with different stages of post-COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion: The multidisciplinary approach of KFSH&RC for rehabilitating COVID-19 patients was integrated through early mobilization and remarkable follow-up of different clinical service divisions, including physical and occupational rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, and nutrition, with the collaboration of the medical and psychological teams aiming to regain optimal physical function, psychological well-being, and better quality of life for those populations.