Efectos de un programa de rehabilitación remota en atención primaria en salud, posterior al alta hospitalaria por COVID-19: estudio observacional

Abstract

Significant systemic damage has been reported in patients affected by COVID-19, and questions remain about long-term sequelae. Therefore, the need arises to propose rehabilitation programs for primary care systems that respond to these needs. A 6-week program of remote rehabilitation, with weekly follow-up and progress, after hospital discharge for COVID-19 was carried out on 114 users from 4 primary care centers in the commune of El Bosque, Santiago, Chile. The program included patients from 21 to 93 years-old, combining the principles of individualized therapeutic exercise, a face-to-face evaluation before and after 6 weeks of work. The indicators evaluated were: Abbreviated Minimental, 1 minute Sit to Stand Test (1 min STST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Barthel index and the Simple “FRAIL” Questionnaire Screening Tool (FRAIL). Inferential and descriptive analyses were carried out and favorable improvements were found in the indicators of physical condition (TUG and 1min STST), Barthel Index and FRAIL. In conclusion, while most of the indicators had favorable re- sults, it is required to further explore more sensitive assessment tools and targeted interventions that are tailored to people’s needs.