10 ways we have drawn on our post viral fatigue experience to respond to long-Covid

1. As we had already pioneered a remote paradigm for the delivery of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes and proved that this model has great outcomes for our clients, we were fortunate not to experience a disruption to our business when the first lockdown occurred.  Our clients could continue to receive the support that they needed.

2. We were able to be very light-footed in our business approach and shifted our direction quickly in response to the emergence of long Covid.

3. As a rehabilitation provider with 10 years specialising in the field of fatigue we could transfer our experience from treating post-viral fatigue to the emerging symptoms of long Covid, whilst appreciating that we did not have all the answers.

4. We were able to disseminate our expertise in post-viral fatigue through online training events for health professionals which were well-received and sold out quickly.

5. We sought ethical approval for our own research project where we offered free programmes to NHS workers who were experiencing symptoms of long Covid, to enhance our understanding and continue to be at the forefront of professional knowledge in the treatment of fatigue and associated symptoms.

6. Our team of professional clinicians has continued throughout the pandemic to contribute to professional bodies through sharing our expertise as part of the national agenda and delivering positive messages about recovery from post-viral fatigue.

7. We launched an Early Intervention Long Covid programme for our Income Protection Insurance market within a few months.  Through this we have supported over 200 clients, 76% of whom have returned to work.

8. Our expertise in supporting people around returning to work, with the recruitment of a specialist Career and Employment specialist (see other blog)…

9. Outcome measures in this cohort of long Covid clients demonstrate clinical improvements in physical functioning, breathlessness, general health status, and general anxiety scale, among others. 

10. We have responded to the pandemic by continuing to find innovative ways to support our team. These included weekly ‘coffee bar socials’ online to come together to share the challenges of adjusting to pandemic/lockdown conditions; online team socials, including popular book clubs and crafting events, and even an online cookery class (link).  We have been recognised via the VRA Awards 2020 as Best Team.