Outcome of a Telerehabilitation Program for a Home-Bound Geriatric Patient with Post Covid-19 Syndrome in Indonesia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Peggy Sunarjo; Rigina Nilandrani; Ferius  Soewito; Siti Chandra  Widjanantie; Carl Froilan D.  Leochico

Authors

Peggy Sunarjo Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital
Rigina Nilandrani Hermina Kemayoran Hospital
Ferius Soewito Flexfree Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Center
Siti Chandra Widjanantie Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Persahabatan General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
Carl Froilan D. Leochico • Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City and Global City, Philippines

Keywords:

functional status, geriatrics, telerehabilitation, COVID-19, quality of life

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to share a local experience in imple-menting a telerehabilitation program for a geriatric patient with post-COVID-19 syndrome following the third-wave pandemic and to describe the clinical outcomes.

Study design: A case report and literature review.

Setting: Hermina Kemayoran General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Subjects: An unvaccinated 80-year-old male patient diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome from the Delta strain presented with desaturation.

Methods: The patient underwent an individualized telerehabilitation program for 4 weeks via video call.

Results: His pulmonary symptoms, functional capacity, functional independence, and quality of life improved following the tele-rehabilitation program. The investigators found the challenges to initiating telerehabilitation in Indonesia include inequality of access to the internet, portable medical and health-monitoring home devices, reliable telecommunication devices, home exercise equipment, and competent caregivers. Fortunately, the patient and his family presented in this case report were able to overcome these challenges.

Conclusions: Telerehabilitation is an option for patients who have difficulty visiting a hospital to access rehabilitation services. It is necessary to improve various aspects of health among patients infected with COVID-19.

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