Evolution of rehabilitation services in response to a global pandemic: reflection on opportunities and challenges ahead

Fransiska M Bossuyt; Yelena Bogdanova; Kristine T Kingsley; Thomas F Bergquist; Stephanie A Kolakowsky-Hayner; Zaliha Binti Omar; Evguenia S Popova; Mari Tobita; Fofi Constantinidou

doi:10.3389/fresc.2023.1173558

Evolution of rehabilitation services in response to a global pandemic: reflection on opportunities and challenges ahead

Front Rehabil Sci. 2023 May 15:4:1173558. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1173558. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Fransiska M Bossuyt¹, Yelena Bogdanova^{2

3}, Kristine T Kingsley^{4

5}, Thomas F Bergquist⁶, Stephanie A Kolakowsky-Hayner⁷, Zaliha Binti Omar^{8

9}, Evguenia S Popova¹⁰, Mari Tobita^{11

12}, Fofi Constantinidou¹³

Affiliations

¹ Neuro-musculoskeletal Functioning and Mobility Group, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland.
² Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
³ Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States.
⁴ Institute of Emotional and Cognitive Wellness, New York, NY, United States.
⁵ Department of Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
⁶ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
⁷ Department of Research and Clinical Outcomes, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, Allentown, PA, United States.
⁸ Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
⁹ Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 1, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan.
¹⁰ Department of Occupational Therapy, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States.
¹¹ Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, CA, United States.
¹² Rancho Research Institute, Downey, CA, United States.
¹³ Center for Applied Neuroscience & Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.

Abstract

The rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health emergency has disrupted and challenged traditional healthcare, rehabilitation services, and treatment delivery worldwide. This perspective paper aimed to unite experiences and perspectives from an international group of rehabilitation providers while reflecting on the lessons learned from the challenges and opportunities raised during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the global appreciation for rehabilitation services and changes in access to healthcare, including virtual, home-based rehabilitation, and long-term care rehabilitation. We illustrate lessons learned by highlighting successful rehabilitation approaches from the US, Belgium, and Japan.

Keywords: COVID-19; long term care facilities; pandemic; rehabilitation; telerehabilitation.

Grants and funding

This study has been supported by the Swiss Paraplegic Research.