The COVID-19 virus has led to a massive global health crisis with an extraordinary death toll and lingering health issues for patients. Unprecedented rates of spread compounded with unpredictable early recurrence spikes have tested the vulnerabilities of the United States healthcare system as efforts to secure and maintain adequate supplies and a sufficient workforce remains an ongoing challenge. 

Although the death rate has improved in the treatment of this disease, there are growing number of survivors who require prolonged care beyond the walls of the ICU that are flooding rehabilitation units and post care facilities. This course will present the emerging science and strategies for managing this vulnerable population while providing hope for meaningful recovery with introduction back into society.

Upon completion of this CME activity, participants should be able to:

• Identify unique challenges of managing COVID-19 survivors from an ICU bed through the course of rehabilitation.
• Discuss best practices of frontline health workers engaged in the rehabilitative care of patients in who suffer from COVID-19 with attention to mobility and joint care to mitigate the need for prolonged treatment.
• Define the value of early discharge and appropriate placement when triaging patients for rehabilitation
• Summarize the value of graded exercise, education on energy conservation, behavior and home modification, psychosocial support, assistive products, as well as rehabilitation that targets physical and respiratory impairment.
• Identify new vaccine strategies to manage current pandemic and future outbreaks.