Spaulding Launches Rehab Program Specifically For Post-COVID-19 Outpatients

The largest rehabilitation provider in New England is launching a special "post-COVID-19" program to help patients who've had serious cases of the virus through the long recovery many face.

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network has already treated more than 40 patients who have already had the virus, and it’s gearing up for more at its outpatient center in Boston.

Spaulding physiatrist Dr. Hannah Steere says many coronavirus patients go home from the hospital with lingering problems, including pain, weakness and lung issues.

"They oftentimes have cognitive impairments or mental health needs" as well, she says. "So we really wanted to be able to address all of these for our patients."

The Spaulding team says this is apparently the first specifically post-COVID-19 outpatient rehab program in the state, and one of the first in the country. With New York colleagues, it will aim to study COVID-related recovery issues as well as treat them, and help develop best practices.

At latest count, there are more than 2,500 COVID-19 patients in Massachusetts hospitals, including 675 in intensive care.