Introduction

Around one in ten people who contract coronavirus (COVID-19) will experience long-term consequences, otherwise known as Long COVID. Long COVID is the umbrella term used for the wide range of symptoms reported in patients with issues related to COVID-19 that last for 12 weeks or more. These symptoms involve many different body systems. A better understanding of the underlying pathologies and the impact of the disease on individuals and their functioning is needed in order to best guide our physiotherapy management of Long COVID. Due to the heterogeneous population, the wide range of symptoms reported and the lack of sufficient evidence, interventions for the physiotherapy management of Long COVID are still highly debated and should be individualised and risk-stratified.

Please note, that as of October 2021, the WHO has developed a case definition of post COVID-19 condition: “Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS- CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction but also others* and generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 episode or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time.”

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the concept/meaning of Long COVID
• discuss the prevalence, presentation, pathophysiology and impact of Long COVID
• identify the current best hypothesised guidelines and interventions for the management of Long COVID

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 2-2.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.8 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.