Clinical condition, Resuscitation and Medical-Psychological Care of Severe COVID-19 patients (part 2)

Abstract

Respiratory rehabilitation is the penultimate step in the medical management of patients with severe COPD-19. It is an essential step before patients’ returning home, and is usually carried out in specialised Follow-up and Rehabilitation Clinics. When discharged from hospital, patients with post-severe COVID-19 usually progress in their medical condition. However, they may remain frail and have a constant fear of possible deterioration leading to (re)hospitalisation and a return to baseline. Psychological support in this phase can reduce patients’ anxiety and increase their motivation to carry out daily rehabilitation activities. This support provides a stable and consistent basis for patients to focus on their progress, leaving the difficulties behind. Being aware of the improvements in their physical condition allows them to maintain their motivation to continue to be physically active. Psychological support during respiratory rehabilitation aims at preparing patients to return to the normal life they had before the disease. It is usually based on brief psychotherapies that focus on strengthening the patient’s abilities through behavioural changes and through reducing risk behaviours. Only after this phase is it sometimes possible to deal with complex issues and to cope with personality mechanisms and maladaptive behaviour patterns.