Hot Topic Long COVID

National Hot Topic Event: Long COVID – what every OT needs to know

Over 150 OTs gathered on 31 August for a virtual event which introduced Long COVID including what it is, common symptoms and investigations.The session introduced long COVID including what it is, common symptoms and investigations, as well as the impact it has on individuals and the whole of community. In addtion, the event provided an opportunity to hear from occupational therapy leaders in long COVID research and clinical practice, including closing Q&A session, from knowledgeable and engaging presenters:

Danielle Hitch, with a 25-year OT career and currently working as an Allied Health Research and Translation Lead at Western Health in Melbourne, and leads the Western Health COVID19 Recovery research collaboration (WHCOVRE).

Hayley Scott, a Senior Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Driver Assessor, with nearly 10 years' experience providing evidence-based rehabilitation for both inpatients and outpatients in the public health setting; and a co-author of various publications and is currently undertaking her PhD.

The session discussed:

• What is Long COVID, dispelling some of the myths
• Impact of Long COVID – community / population perspective
• The role of OTs – clinical perspective
• Practice approaches including emerging models of care and clinical practice guidelines
• Where to from here - practice, policy and advocacy

Members can download the slides from the session.

Visit the Long COVID resources page more information.