This document titled “Rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 in African Settings: Guidance for Community Based Rehabilitation Workers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Assistants” published on May 24, 2020 by an international team of researchers and clinicians consolidate findings and experience relevant to the African context. The guidance document addresses specific and general issues relevant to rehabilitation professionals during this Covid-19 pandemic. These general recommendations are clearly outlined under seven (7) key considerations.
They include:
1) Determine risk and take action to reduce risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 in rehabilitation settings.
2) Work as a team.
3) Do as much as possible without person-to-person contact.
4) Anticipate an increased demand of workforce.
5) Determine type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed for patient contact.
6) Include people with impairments and disabilities.
7) Streamline documentation procedures.
Specific recommendations are also provided for Community Based Rehabilitation Workers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Assistants. This document is intended to supplement existing efforts and resources put in place to improve safety and wellbeing of client/patient and rehabilitation healthcare professionals’ in the region.
