The mPower Project have worked alongside HSE CHO 1 Donegal Community Physiotherapy Service to produce a Covid-19 Recovery Information booklet.
Tracy Gallagher MSK Physiotherapist based at Killybegs Community Hospital said “Over the last few months, we identified a growing need within our community and our workplace to provide a resource to support COVID 19 recovery, and specifically recovery from ‘Long-Covid’ or where a patient has had severe symptoms, symptoms lasting weeks or months or been hospitalised with the virus. With encouragement from our manager, we pulled together a multi-disciplinary team to develop the booklet”.
The information booklet is of particular value as it brought together a team of professionals from across different disciplines for collaborative input including specialist Respiratory and Neurological Physiotherapists, Clinical Psychologists and Dieticians.
The resource is available both digitally as a hyperlink and as a hardcopy for health care professionals to give to service users who are recovering from the virus and who require specific information to support their recovery.
The practical booklet provides an evidenced based resource pack for individuals and carers on symptoms of Covid-19 and symptom management. Advice on coping strategies as well as information on where to seek additional support locally. It provides a standardised information resource to service providers for sharing with relevant individuals who are looking for advice and support in relation to Covid-19 and promotes self-management where possible. It gives practical tips and advice on how to manage severe fatigue, ongoing breathlessness, muscle weakness, difficulties with memory/confusion, the emotional impact of Covid-19 and more.
The booklet has been shared widely across the CHO 1 healthcare community and feedback has been hugely positive.
Dr Paul Armstrong, GP at the Covid Assessment Hub in Letterkenny and Clinical Lead for Donegal said, “Information on managing the after effects of COVID 19 illness is difficult to get for both professionals and patients alike. This very practical and useful booklet will be invaluable for patients and their carers in dealing with the difficulties that can arise. Well done to Roisin Mc Cafferty, Senior Physiotherapist and her colleagues on getting this published in a timely fashion”.