The long-term effects of COVID-19 continue to impact individuals across all age groups and health backgrounds. From respiratory issues and fatigue to neurological and musculoskeletal impairments, many patients present with complex symptoms that either require or would benefit from coordinated care. For physical therapists, working alongside other healthcare professionals is an important approach for addressing post-COVID deficits.
This article explores how interprofessional collaboration supports the assessment and treatment of lasting issues associated with COVID-19. It also outlines key strategies for integrating physical therapy into a team-based model of care.
Related: Interprofessional Assessment and Treatment of Deficits from COVID-19
Understanding post-COVID deficits
Post-COVID conditions, also referred to as long COVID, might involve several different types of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the infection was first resolved. These symptoms can vary widely, but often affect physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning.
Common physical issues may include:
- Reduced cardiovascular endurance
- Decreased respiratory capacity
- Muscle weakness and atrophy
- Joint stiffness and mobility limitations
- Balance and coordination challenges
Other post-COVID deficits that can impact function include:
- Cognitive fog and memory problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain and generalized fatigue
The complexity of these symptoms is best approached with collaborative and adaptable care. A single discipline model, like just physical therapy, may miss certain aspects of the patient’s condition. Interprofessional care brings together the knowledge of multiple providers. This creates a holistic and effective approach to patient care.
The role of physical therapists in recovering from post-COVID deficits
Physical therapists play a key role in restoring mobility, strength, endurance, and function for individuals recovering from COVID-19. They help patients return to daily activities while lowering the risk of setbacks or re-injury.
Key areas of PT involvement
- Functional assessments. Evaluating balance, gait, strength, respiratory function, and tolerance to activity.
- Exercise prescription. Developing safe, personalized, and graded programs that work on endurance and rebuild strength.
- Breathing techniques. Teaching diaphragmatic breathing and pacing to support oxygenation and reduce dyspnea.
- Fatigue management. Educating patients on energy conservation and activity modification.
- Patient education. Providing guidance on self-monitoring, posture, and movement strategies to support recovery.
- Monitoring vitals. Tracking oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure during exertion.
- Fall prevention strategies. Addressing deficits in coordination, proprioception, and balance to minimize fall risk.
The value of interprofessional collaboration
Working with other healthcare professionals helps ensure that post-COVID patients receive comprehensive care. Interprofessional teams may include:
- Physical therapists
- Physicians (e.g., pulmonologists, primary care, cardiologists)
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Mental health providers
- Nutritionists and dietitians
- Case managers and care coordinators
- Social workers and community health workers
Benefits of a team-based approach in addressing post-COVID deficits
As a physical therapist, there are many benefits to working with a team for both the patients and healthcare workers, including:
- Combines different types of expertise to create well-rounded treatment plans.
- Reduces gaps in care by sharing information and monitoring progress.
- Promotes efficient communication among providers.
- Ensures physical, emotional, and cognitive needs are addressed simultaneously.
- Builds consistency across different stages of recovery.
- Encourages shared decision-making that involves the patient in their own care.
Interprofessional assessment strategies post-COVID deficits
Shared assessment tools and team communication support a consistent understanding of patient needs and goals. Some strategies include:
Joint evaluations
- Use standardized tools to assess strength, mobility, respiratory capacity, and cognition.
- Hold team meetings to review findings and set collective goals.
- Involve the patient in discussions about function and daily limitations.
- Identify overlapping concerns that may be addressed by more than one provider.
Collaborative goal setting
- Establish short and long-term goals based on advice from all providers.
- Prioritize patient-specific challenges such as returning to work, daily living, or social activities.
- Consider family and caregiver support in goal planning.
- Reassess goals at regular intervals to make sure that they remain realistic and achievable.
Progress monitoring
- Use shared documentation systems to track improvements.
- Adjust care plans based on real-time patient feedback and observed outcomes.
- Maintain ongoing dialogue to avoid broken care.
- Document both subjective and objective improvements across disciplines.
Coordinated treatment planning
Once assessment is complete, interprofessional teams can design individualized plans that reflect each provider’s contribution. Examples of coordinated interventions include:
- PT and occupational therapy: Focus on mobility for daily tasks, including energy-saving techniques.
- PT and respiratory therapy: Combine aerobic reconditioning with pulmonary exercises.
- PT and mental health providers: Address exercise anxiety or fear of activity post-illness.
- PT and nutritionists: Support physical progress with appropriate fueling and hydration.
- PT and speech language pathology: Help patients who experience swallowing or speech difficulties as part of long COVID.
- PT and case managers: Address transportation issues, appointment follow-through, or access to equipment.
Communication tools for team-based care
Effective interprofessional care relies on regular and structured communication.
- Use shared electronic health records (EHRs) for updates and documentation.
- Schedule case reviews or interdisciplinary meetings.
- Assign a care coordinator or lead point of contact.
- Involve the patient in discussions whenever possible.
- Create care pathways to streamline referrals and handoffs.
- Encourage concise communication across documentation to reduce delays.
Challenges and considerations in treating post-COVID deficits
Implementing interprofessional care for post-COVID deficits presents some challenges, especially in outpatient or community settings. While it may not be easy, overcoming these challenges will significantly help patients recover. Some challenges to think about and their potential solutions include:
Access to resources
- Not all patients have access to a full care team.
- Solutions may include virtual consultations or referrals to nearby providers.
- Community health programs can offer additional support.
- PTs may act as the primary point of contact in under-resourced settings.
Time constraints
- Coordinating schedules and maintaining communication takes time.
- Teams could use asynchronous updates to keep information flowing.
- Designating a point person can help with organization.
- Efficient scheduling software can support better team coordination.
Variability in symptoms
- Patients may experience sudden changes in symptoms.
- Flexibility in treatment planning helps accommodate any changes.
- Regular check-ins allow for timely adjustments.
- Clinicians should be prepared to pause or scale back interventions as needed.
Patient fatigue and motivation
- Patients may be overwhelmed by the number of appointments or therapies.
- Education and pacing strategies help build trust and avoid burnout.
- Encourage self-directed activities that align with therapy goals.
- Support groups or peer mentorship can help reduce isolation and improve motivation.
Conclusion
Recovery from COVID-19 can be complex, with symptoms that span multiple systems and affect quality of life in different ways. Interprofessional collaboration supports a more complete picture of patient needs and delivers care that is coordinated, adaptable, and patient centered.
Physical therapists play an important role within this model, helping patients regain movement and independence while working alongside other professionals to guide recovery. By staying informed and actively participating in team-based care, PTs can make a big difference for patients navigating post-COVID deficits.
Clear communication, thoughtful planning, and respect for each provider’s role create an environment where patients can make progress in a way that feels supported and sustainable. As this field continues to develop, therapists will benefit from ongoing learning and practice in collaborative care models that respond to evolving patient needs.
