International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Abstract

Strategies to Adapt COVID-19 Impacted Low Resource Rehabilitation Services

Taslim Uddin*, Md Abu Bakar Siddiq and Mohammad Tariqul Islam

One-third of the global population is currently in lockdown due COVID-19 pandemic and there are indications that it will be lengthier than thought. It has impacted health care delivery system in acute, post-acute and community settings including medical rehabilitation. Bangladesh is a low-middle income country with large population and limited health services which houses the largest refugee camp of the world. Challenges impacted by COVID-19 and strategic suggestions are provided for adaptation of the rehabilitation services. Across the country many large medical institutions are struggling to meet the clinical demand due to COVID-19. One of the tertiary hospitals in Dhaka city, in accordance with other international rehabilitation organizations instituted measures to protect staff and patients: inpatient rehabilitation services closed since March 2020 at BSM Medical University. Adapted workloads include online specialist medical and allied health consultations, virtual rehabilitation services, limited ambulatory consultations and paced processing of community incoming referrals for rehabilitation services. There is increased emphasis on a modification of service styles including social distancing and safe working environment, with a focus on patients and family education. As the country lock-down restrictions ease, the rehabilitation post-acute and routine care need stepped processes to reopen which requires strategic planning. Strategic suggestion to adapt the services include a) relocation of the existing infrastructure b) Recruitment of proportionate rehabilitation work force in accordance of recommendations of WHO rehabilitation 2030 c) Ensuring adequate health education to protect patients d) Re-arrangement of work schedules e) Categorization of therapy services according to individualized merits.

Published Date: 2020-06-15; Received Date: 2020-05-23