Insights from an interprofessional post-COVID-19 rehabilitation unit: A speech and language therapy and respiratory medicine perspective

Abstract

Objective: We present a case report that complements the conclusion of Stam et al. in their call to rehabilitation facilities to anticipate and prepare to address post intensive care syndrome in post-Covid-19 patients.

Methods: The case report presented here provides insight into treating mechanically ventilated post-Covid-19 patients.

Results: Early intervention with dysphagia therapy and speech therapy and ventilator-compatible speak-ing valves, provided within an interprofessional collaborative team, can mitigate the potentially negative consequences of prolonged intubation, long-term use of cuffed tracheostomy, and post intensive care syndrome resulting from Covid-19.

Conclusion: Such a treatment approach can be used to address what is important to patients: to be able to speak with family and friends, eat what they want, and breathe spontaneously.

Keywords: Covid-19; post intensive care syndrome; rehabilitation; speaking valve; speech and language therapy; swallowing; tracheostomy management.