Technology & Innovation

Roper Hospital outpatient rehabilitation program launches Post-Acute COVID program

December 3, 2020

Roper St. Francis Healthcare has launched a new outpatient rehabilitation services program to assist COVID-19 patients as they continue to recover from the virus.

The program, which launched Dec. 1, initially will be offered only at Roper Hospital. Patients can enroll through a physician referral to outpatient occupational or physical therapy at Roper Hospital. Physicians also should note that the patient is post-COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, we continue to see prolonged functional deficits associated with COVID-19 among our patients,” said Troy Powell, vice president operations – continuing care. “Our outpatient rehabilitation team has learned a great deal in managing patient recovery from the virus, and we are delighted to offer this outpatient rehab program to help facilitate recovery for our patients.”

The program is designed for patients who continue to experience functional deficits associated with respiratory or endurance complications, decreased strength, cognitive impairments or impaired mobility or balance as a result of a COVID-19 infection.

Patients do not have to have been hospitalized to qualify, and patients must be past the infectious stage of the virus to participate.

The roughly six-week program will begin with both physical and cognitive assessments. Subsequent treatment sessions will be based on the patient’s abilities and tolerance. The focus will be on increasing strength and endurance for safe return to prior level of independence. Vital signs and the patients’ response to treatment will be closely monitored.

“We are confident that our team of experienced clinicians can help our patients reach their optimal recovery while closely monitoring their progress and communicating this with the patient’s physician,” Powell said.