Rehabilitation service utilization among individuals with long COVID in Laval, Canada.

Abstract

Purpose: (1) investigate utilization of rehabilitation services (Physical Therapy [PT], Occupational Therapy [OT], Speech Language Pathology [SLP], and Psychology [Psych]) among adults with long-COVID in Laval, Quebec; (2) determine unmet needs; (3) determine factors associated with receiving services; (4) examine satisfaction.

Materials and methods: Using an electronic survey, participants completed the Newcastle Post-COVID Syndrome Follow-Up Screening Questionnaire, COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale, and the COVID-19 Rehabilitation Needs Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe rehabilitation services received, reasons for unmet needs, and satisfaction. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with receiving services.

Results: Of 1031 persons with long-COVID, 37(3.6%) accessed OT, 80(7.8%) PT, 2(0.2%) SLP, and 63(6.1%) Psych. One quarter of participants who did not access rehabilitation services reported needing them. Factors associated with receiving services included hospitalization, vaccination, comorbidities, ≥1 year since COVID-19, female, ≥55 years, married/living together, and unemployed. Reasons for unmet needs were not knowing who to turn to, no referral, and financial. Most were satisfied with the services they received (70-84%).

Conclusion: The majority of participants with long-COVID did not access rehabilitation services to address their impairments and disabilities. Accessible, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services to address the functional needs of people with long COVID is needed.