Webinar: 2024-02-06: Long COVID: Recognizing, Understanding & Improving Outcomes
Webinar: 2024-02-06: Long COVID: Recognizing, Understanding & Improving Outcomes
Long COVID: Recognizing, Understanding and Improving the Outcomes, Participation and Quality of Life of those Affected presented by Carolyn Murray-Slutsky, MS OTR, C/NDT, FAOTA and Betty Paris, PT, M.Ed, C/NDT
February 6, 2024 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Webinar description
Behavioral Objectives:
1) Define Long COVID and list 4 categories of symptoms as defined by Balcom (2021) and describe 2 characteristics under each category.
2) Define 4 ways to help those with Long COVID through addressing the physical, mental health, emotional, occupational, and social impact.
3) Define 4 intervention/ ways to help individuals with long covid/PASC enhance participation, quality of life and increase function.
Abstract:
The COVID 19 Pandemic is officially behind us, yet the long lasting, multisystem changes including autoimmune, physical, mental and emotional difficulties persist. Long COVID, a new diagnostic category, consists of new, returning, or ongoing symptoms experienced four or more weeks after the initial coronavirus infection. The major concerns of individuals experiencing Long COVID are the negative impact on physical and cognitive function, quality of life, and participation in society (Troyer, 2022). Professionals are challenged to recognize and address the individualized challenges and quality of life concerns, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and psychological impact this disease has on function and participation (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020, 2021).
Long COVID is a multi-system condition that impacts not only the mental health of individuals but their functional, cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and economic well-being. Balcom et al., 2021 classified symptoms as: Cognitive, mood and sleep disorders (Brain fog, executive dysfunction, anxiety/depressions, and agitation/psychosis; Dysautonomia (Palpitations, POTS, hypotension); Pain syndromes (myalgia, neuropathic pain, paresthesia, headache/tinnitus), and Exercise intolerance (Includes muscle weakness, exertional dyspnea, fatigue).
Case presentations will be used to facilitate group discussions/reflection of how Long COVID impacts the individuals.
This course will define Long COVID, its characteristics, individuals’ challenges, provide current research, diagnostic criteria, concerns, and treatment approaches across the lifespan. Due to the multi-systems impact, and urgent need for intervention to improve quality of life, Professionals must utilize their unique knowledge of physical rehabilitation, occupation-based practice, school system, developmental disabilities, mental health, and others. Understanding this condition provides new opportunities for innovations and leadership in improving the lives of individuals suffering from this disorder.
