Interdisciplinary approach to a post-COVID-19 patient in a weaning and rehabilitation center
A case report
Abstract
Introduction: Five percent of COVID-19 patients will require intensive care. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), sedation, neuromuscular blockade, prolonged immobilization, and the viral infection itself could influence rehabilitation. Our objective is to describe the interdisciplinary approach to the first post-COVID-19 patient with tracheostomy and prolonged IMV who was admitted to our center.
Case presentation: A 74-year-old male patient with COVID-19 was admitted to the intensive care unit due to respiratory failure after 12 days in the medical ward. The patient required orotracheal intubation and IMV. He was tracheostomized and transferred to our rehabilitation center. On admission, his Barthel index (BI) was 50. He was weaned on day 10. Protocols for motor, swallowing, and decannulation rehabilitation were implemented. The patient was decannulated on day 19 and discharged with functional independence on day 34 (BI: 95).
Conclusion: We adopted a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach based on the protocols of our center with an open attitude to the findings of this new entity. The patient's respiratory and motor functions rapidly improved, and he achieved weaning, decannulation, and physical functional independence.
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