Kehl-Floberg K, Pop-Vicas A, Giles G, Edwards D. The Functional Consequences of Long COVID Need to Be Addressed by Occupational Therapists.
Am J Occup Ther 2024;
78:7805205190. [PMID:
39087731 DOI:
10.5014/ajot.2024.050707]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-persistent health complications after recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 infection-is associated with activity limitations in nearly 48 million U.S. adults, affecting work, leisure, family, and community functioning. Occupational therapists are experts in customizing interventions to maximize performance of daily routines, and often treat individuals who experience similar functional impacts to those observed in long COVID. The large number of people experiencing new disability, as well as a lack of medical treatment options, make occupational therapy a crucial component of long-COVID research and multidisciplinary management. In this column, we discuss actionable steps occupational therapists can take to place them at the forefront of maximizing functional and quality-of-life outcomes for people with long COVID.
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