Management of COVID in the Acute Care Setting and Beyond
Course Overview
This course is designed for rehabilitation professionals who care for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and recovering from critical illness. The content is appropriate for clinicians with intermediate to advanced practice experience in acute care and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. It provides an evidence-based overview of COVID-19 pathophysiology, acute decompensation, and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), while highlighting practical strategies for rehabilitation from the ICU to the home. Through a case-based lens, participants will explore interdisciplinary care planning, early mobilization techniques, management of oxygenation challenges, and discharge considerations across the continuum. Special attention is given to addressing social determinants of health, caregiver involvement, and long-term recovery needs in COVID-19 survivors.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Analyze the evolving pathophysiology of COVID-19 and its implications for rehabilitation care.
- Categorize the components and management of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS).
- Apply evidence-based strategies to safely mobilize and monitor patients with COVID-19 in the ICU and acute care settings.
- Arrange interdisciplinary discharge strategies to support safe transitions and recovery across settings.
- Justify the role of caregivers and social determinants of health in long-term COVID-19 recovery.
About the Author/Presenter
Dr. Grant Bitzer, PT, DPT, EdD, is a physical therapist with over eight years of experience treating patients in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bitzer served as a frontline provider at Duke University Hospital, where he and his colleagues published a clinical perspective on adapting physical therapy management for patients with COVID-19. He earned his Doctor of Education (EdD) from Baylor University in 2024 and currently serves as Associated Faculty in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Duke University. His areas of expertise include critical care and clinical education.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
