Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation: A Framework from the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID

Research Objectives: 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 stakeholders.

Design: 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 collated responses and notes and then analyzed data using content analytical techniques.

Setting: The Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID was established to advance evidence in the field of rehabilitation to optimize assessments, interventions and models of care delivery to prevent or mitigate disability and optimize health and well-being among persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.

Participants: We conducted five consultations on COVID rehabilitation research priorities with approximately 450 key informants with an interest in COVID rehabilitation research in 22 countries, spanning seven continents.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: We used a combination of data collection methods and sources to gather perspectives on research priorities that included: web-based questionnaires asking key informants new and emerging issues and research priorities in COVID, Long COVID, disability and rehabilitation; large group facilitated discussion, and an environmental scan of research presented on COVID and rehabilitation at the ACRM.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.

Author(s) Disclosures: None.