Corona patients can follow a tailor-made multidisciplinary rehabilitation program at the Medifit rehabilitation center after an ICU admission.
People after a stay in intensive care often have a Post intensive care syndrome (PICS) which is a combination of physical disorders and limitations such as muscle weakness, reduced stamina, shortness of breath, pain and stiffness in the joints. The physical consequences after an IC admission are usually well known, but there can also be psychological and cognitive problems. These residual symptoms lead to long-term limitations in daily functioning and reduced quality of life.
In the rehabilitation of corona patients after a stay in the ICU, muscle weakness and improving physical functioning are one of the most important targets. This along with supporting breathing and cardiovascular fitness. In addition, improving cognitive functioning, confidence in recovery, reducing anxiety and reducing the risk of complications is important.
Corona patients can have permanent lung damage. The corona virus has caused pneumonia in many people and this sometimes causes scar tissue in the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis). These complaints are called COLD (Corona Obstructive Lung Disease). This makes breathing more difficult and reduces lung volume.
In addition, psychological trauma processing should not be underestimated. After a stay in the ICU, people often suffer from flashbacks, anxiety, depression and cognitive problems. This can sometimes be so severe that it develops into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). About 1 in 5 former IC patients has complaints in the first year after discharge that are consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 1 in 3 patients suffer from complaints such as; anxious feelings, depressive symptoms, forgetfulness, emotional instability, insomnia and flashbacks.
Medifit Rehabilitation Center offers a multidisciplinary approach because the problem must be tackled both physically and psychologically. This multidisciplinary approach is necessary because it usually involves complex problems. In addition to physiotherapy, the contribution of occupational therapy, exercise therapy, cognitive therapy and psychotherapy under the supervision of a rehabilitation and lung specialist is necessary. The treatment team consists of specialized physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, rehabilitation physicians and Dutch physicians such as a lung specialist, general practitioner and cardiologist.
People can participate in the rehabilitation program on an outpatient or clinical basis, depending on the indication. Rehabilitators can stay with their partner or supervisor within the rehabilitation center or in a luxury care apartment.
A rehabilitation process for people with Post intensive care syndrome (PICS), possibly in combination with COLD (Corona Obstructive Lung Disease), takes 4 to 8 weeks. Patients can participate 2 weeks after they have tested negative for COVID-19, but they can also participate months after discharge from hospital.
The individual implementation of the rehabilitation program is determined by a collaboration between you and our Dutch pulmonologist, rehabilitation doctor and the treatment team. During the intake, in addition to consultations with the rehabilitation doctor, pulmonologist and therapist, a number of tests are taken. Among other things, the following tests are taken; ergo-spirometry, 6 Minute Walk Test, EKG, strength tests, X-rays, etc. There is an evaluation consultation every week, after which the treatment team discusses and evaluates the progress of the treatment goals. The program is constantly adapted to the personal situation of each patient.
Medifit has experience in treating Dutch patients with the PICS syndrome and lung patients (including COPD, asthma). However, COLD is not the same as COPD, there are similarities with the treatment method. One of the reasons that the COPD program in Spain is such a success has to do with the clean Mediterranean air. Clean air has a positive effect on obstructive lung diseases such as COLD and COPD.
Rehabilitation is reimbursed by the Dutch health insurers from the basic package if there is a medical indication for this. The reimbursement only applies to the rehabilitation, any flight travel is at your own expense. If you come by plane you will be picked up from the airport; Alicante or Valencia. The accommodation, food and rehabilitation will be fully reimbursed by your health insurer if there is an indication for clinical rehabilitation. We have contracts with most Dutch health insurers and can declare the treatments directly from them. As a result, you do not have to pay for the rehabilitation program yourself. For the insurance policies with which we do not have a contract, we submit an application in accordance with Dutch standards and rates.
Medifit has experience in treating Dutch patients with the PICS syndrome and lung patients (including COPD, asthma). However, COLD is not the same as COPD, there are similarities with the treatment method. One of the reasons that the COPD program in Spain is such a success has to do with the clean Mediterranean air. Clean air has a positive effect on obstructive lung diseases such as COLD and COPD.
Rehabilitation is reimbursed by the Dutch health insurers from the basic package if there is a medical indication for this. The reimbursement only applies to the rehabilitation, any flight travel is at your own expense. If you come by plane you will be picked up from the airport; Alicante or Valencia. The accommodation, food and rehabilitation will be fully reimbursed by your health insurer if there is an indication for clinical rehabilitation. We have contracts with most Dutch health insurers and can declare the treatments directly from them. As a result, you do not have to pay for the rehabilitation program yourself. For the insurance policies with which we do not have a contract, we submit an application in accordance with Dutch standards and rates.
Rehabilitation center Medifit was awarded on 25 May 2019, by the “Academy of Health Sciences Ramón y Cajal”, in recognition of our professional expertise in rehabilitation medicine and innovative multidisciplinary rehabilitation center with advanced individually targeted treatment programs.
