Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS FT has developed an online resource to support patients in their initial recovery once discharged following treatment for COVID-19.
The online tool has been developed by a group of multi-disciplinary health professionals at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals to provide advice to support discharged patients with physical and mental health questions. It includes answers to what to do to help clear your lungs, swallowing, communication and mouthcare and advice to eat well to help recovery.
The website has been formed by a group consisting of physiotherapists, nurses, speech and language therapists, dieticians, psychologists, occupational therapists and a respiratory consultant to help speed up and support the initial recovery period and ongoing rehabilitation.
The advice also includes tips on physical health, such as mobility and exercises, that can be done whilst sitting or standing and has tips on any difficulties patients may be struggling with around their psychological health.
The project was led by Catherine Edwards, Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Lead Practitioner and Sarah Moore, Specialist Physiotherapist.
Catherine Edwards, Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner “While it is wonderful to see patients discharged from our hospitals after having had coronavirus, we noticed there wasn’t much support available for them once they arrived home.”
“That’s why our new online resource includes physical and psychological support and advice for patients who are at home and recovering from coronavirus.”
“We are delighted at the feedback we have received so far, and we are particularly pleased that other Trusts and hospitals in our area are now offering our resources to their patients.”
Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Lead Practitioner said “In a very short time, we have seen an unbelievable uptake in patients using our new resource. We are now in talks with our colleagues at the North West Ambulance Service to roll this out across their networks, as well as having had a fantastic response from our patients.”
“We are also in the process of setting up text reminders for patients to receive with the web address included, so that we can reach as many people as possible and offer them access to vital support.”
