Our aim was to identify research priorities related to COVID rehabilitation from the perspectives of persons with lived experiences, clinicians, researchers, community organization representatives and policy representatives.
We conducted five international multi-stakeholder consultations to identify key issues and research priorities in COVID rehabilitation using i) web-based questionnaires, ii) synchronous discussions, and iii) content analysis of COVID rehabilitation research conference presentations. We consulted with members of the Network, attendees at international conferences, and members of the Network Advisory Committee. Specifically, we asked, ‘In your opinion, what are 2 new and emerging issues in the field of acute or Long COVID, disability and rehabilitation?’ and ‘What are 2-3 key research priorities that are essential for moving the field forward?’ We collated responses and notes and then analyzed data using content analytical techniques.
Our consultations involved approximately 450 informants across 22 countries. The Framework of Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation includes five 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 impact 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, methodological considerations, and highlights the importance of integrated knowledge translation and exchange in advancing scientific evidence, clinical education, practice, and COVID rehabilitation policy. The Framework indicates that community and patient-led engaged approaches to COVID rehabilitation research are essential to foster timely, meaningful and relevant approaches to rehabilitation research and its application to rehabilitation services planning and delivery.
The Framework reflects perspectives of persons with lived experiences, researchers, clinicians, representatives from community-based organizations, funders and policy representatives with an interest in COVID and rehabilitation. Research priorities represent a comprehensive approach to examine disability and rehabilitation across COVID illness trajectories and the broad continuums of rehabilitation care to provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to advancing evidence in COVID disability and rehabilitation.
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. The Framework may be used by researchers, clinicians, trainees, and members of the community to inform future COVID rehabilitation research.
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