Impacts of COVID-19 as recognized occupational disease (BK-Nr. 3101) or work-related accident on physical capacity, mental health, and ability to work – a contribution to rehabilitation management

Status:

completed 01/2024

Aims:

In the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long-term effects on physical capacity and mental health are anticipated, which can have negative consequences for the working ability of affected patients. At the projects’ outset, there were no established findings regarding the effects of post-COVID rehabilitation on the patients’ biopsychosocial health. Concrete recommendations for managing and coordinating rehabilitation measures for COVID-19 patients were not yet known. This research aimed to describe the medium- and long-term effects of COVID-19 as occupational disease BK-No. 3101 or recognized work-related accident on physical capacity, psychological health and work ability, and to uncover existing relationships and influencing factors. The insights gained contribute to the steering, coordination, and targeted development of medical rehabilitation within the framework of rehabilitation management for patients with occupational disease BK-No. 3101 or recognized work-related accident after COVID-19.

Activities/Methods:

This study was conducted at the Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany, in cooperation with the BG Hospital Bad Reichenhall, and was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00022928. In this observational study with four measurement points (at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of rehabilitation, as well as six (T3) and 12 months (T4) post-rehabilitation), 127 patients in the post-acute phase of COVID-19, recognized as occupational disease (BK-No. 3101) or work-related accident, were recruited. All subjects participated in an inpatient multidisciplinary post-COVID rehabilitation program lasting an average of M = 28.77 (Range: 9–42) days at the BG Hospital for Occupational Diseases in Bad Reichenhall. Sociodemographic data, existing post-COVID symptoms, and work ability were collected through questionnaires. Psychological and cognitive health were assessed using questionnaires, cognitive test batteries, and interviews. Physical capacity and performance were measured using various examination methods (e.g., 6-minute walking test). A motion sensor objectively recorded the physical activity and sleep behaviour of the patients. Standardized interviews with staff at the BG Hospital in Bad Reichenhall provided process-related insights into the feasibility and specifics of the conducted post-COVID rehabilitation.

Results:

The study results indicate positive changes in health parameters at the end of the rehabilitative intervention for post-COVID patients. After rehabilitation, improved physical capacity and psychological/cognitive health were observed. Six and 12 months post-rehabilitation, physical capacity enhanced significantly compared to T1. The maintenance of psychological health six and 12 months post-rehabilitation varied depending on the assessed parameters. Within the sample, sustained high levels of work disability were observed even six (54,2%) and 12 months (44,1%) after rehabilitation. Reduced work ability is particularly associated with cognitive/physical limitations and existing fatigue symptoms. Furthermore, the study results emphasize that post-COVID patients, due to their complex and diverse symptoms, require an individualized rehabilitation approach tailored to their needs, and ongoing aftercare programs are crucial to maintaining the achieved improvements.

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