Bounce back, fitter & better

• Nurse:

1. These are the backbone of the healthcare industry. They strive to keep the patient fit. Also, they look after the proper bed positioning to reduce bed sores. They work towards giving appropriate medications and prevent deformities in joints.

1. 1. Dietician: The intake of food becomes difficult post COVID. There’s a lot of electrolyte-nutrition imbalance, reduced immunity, loss of muscle and body weight after prolonged bed rest. A dietician considers these different parameters and prepares a diet chart for the patient to follow during the rehabilitation.

1. 1. Physiotherapist: The physiotherapist assesses the patient on certain scales and helps the patient to walk the path from disability to ability. They chart the exercise program according to the patient’s health goals. Accordingly, the patient is made to do regular practice. The parameters such as bp, pulse and vitals are regularly monitored too.

1. 1. Pulmonologist: A respiratory expert works to clear the airways on the chest, improve oxygen in the blood, clear secretions and improve endurance. A patient is also looked after to improve lung compliance.

1. 1. Occupational therapist: These therapists work on a day-to-day basis with patients to see that they attain independence to do their tasks on their own.

1. 1. Speech and swallow therapist: COVID may cause impairment in speech. Speech therapist works with patient to improve communication and their food-swallow ability.

1. Psychologist: Patients tend to face cognitive issues such as delusion and loss of memory post COVID. A psychologist treats these conditions to help the patient participate well in the rehabilitation program.

The rehab program includes assessment, and health goal setting as the main objectives. While the initial focus is on endurance building, nutritional value, psychological strength and joint movement, the program goes on to focus on strength training.