BackgroundAfter COVID-19 infection, individuals can experience a variety of symptoms that might
require further treatment. Early data showed the value of adapted pulmonary
rehabilitation programmes and technology-based interventions. To develop appropriate
services, it is important to understand the symptom burden and the preferred mode of
rehabilitation delivery.MethodsPost-hospital discharge (H) and post-community-managed (C) individuals received a
follow-up call. A survey was completed to assess the most burdensome symptoms for which
the patients would require support and their preference for the mode of rehabilitation
delivery.ResultsOverall, 160 individuals who received a follow-up call completed the survey (51.2%
male, mean [SD] age 54 [15] years) and 126 (78.8%) were post-hospital, while 34 (21.3%)
had community-managed infections. A total of 101 (63.1%) reported that COVID-19-related
symptoms were affecting their daily activities, and 106 (66.3%) reported their desire to
be more active. The most common symptoms identified as needing support were fatigue and
shortness of breath. Both groups expressed a preference for a face-to-face group
programme (C: 54.8%; H: 46.8%), while (38.7%) of post-community-managed individuals and
(40.3%) post-hospital patients preferred a supported digital rehabilitation programme.
Few opted a non-digital home-based programme (C: 3.2%; H:12.9%, respectively).ConclusionThe survey responses indicated a significant symptom burden that may benefit from an
intervention such as rehabilitation. Preferences for rehabilitation indicated that a
face-to-face intervention was preferred by the majority, with a large proportion
preferring digital intervention.