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Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation: A...
Journal article

Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation: A Framework From the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID

Abstract

Objectives To identify research priorities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rehabilitation from the perspectives of persons with lived experiences, clinicians, researchers, community organization representatives, and policy stakeholders. Design We conducted 5 international multistakeholder consultations to identify key issues and research priorities in COVID rehabilitation using (1) web-based questionnaires, (2) synchronous discussions, and (3) content analysis of COVID rehabilitation research conference presentations. We collated responses and notes and then analyzed data using content analytical techniques. Setting The Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID was established to advance evidence in the field of rehabilitation to optimize assessments, interventions, and models of care delivery to prevent or mitigate disability and optimize health and well-being among persons with COVID-19, long COVID, and their caregivers. Participants We conducted 5 consultations on COVID rehabilitation research priorities with approximately 450 key informants with an interest in COVID rehabilitation research in 22 countries, spanning 7 continents. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures We used a combination of data collection methods and sources to gather perspectives on research priorities that included: web-based questionnaires asking key informants new and emerging issues and research priorities in COVID-19, long COVID, disability and rehabilitation, large group-facilitated discussion, and an environmental scan of research presented on COVID and rehabilitation at the ACRM. Results The Framework of Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation includes 5 priorities that span health and disability across COVID-19 and long COVID illness trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and effect of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely, and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services. The Framework identifies target populations and methodological considerations and highlights the importance of integrated knowledge translation and exchange in advancing scientific evidence, clinical education, practice, and COVID rehabilitation policy. Conclusions This Framework provides a foundation to advance long COVID disability and rehabilitation research to advance the health and well-being of persons living with long COVID and their caregivers. Disclosures none.

Authors

O'Brien K; McDuff K; Kumar V; Churchill K; Colantonio A; Davenport T; Gross D; Jaglal S; Kho M; Leighton J

Journal

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 106, No. 4,

Publisher

Elsevier

Publication Date

April 1, 2025

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2025.01.365

ISSN

0003-9993

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