7 Things Every SLP Should Know About “Long COVID”
No one was prepared for the immense impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on our world. The entire healthcare system and society as a whole are STILL systemically recovering from it. Furthermore, many people who survived the actual COVID-19 illness are still dealing with the after effects of their COVID-19 diagnosis. This is referred to most popularly as “Long COVID” but sometimes also called “Long Haul COVID” or “Post-COVID Conditions” (PCC).
As of January 16, 2023, 15% of all adults in the United States reported having had Long COVID symptoms at some point and 6% reported current symptoms. Symptoms of Long Covid can vary tremendously, however, some symptoms can include: cognitive changes, respiratory challenges, and general fatigue.
In hopes of increasing awareness of Long COVID and its associated symptoms, March 15th has been designated as “International Long COVID Awareness Day”.
Both COVID-19 and Long Covid will continue to have an impact on the field of Speech Language Pathology in unique ways for years to come. Here are just few important things that SLPs should keep in mind about Long COVID.
1. This is a complex health topic. It will be imperative that Speech Language Pathologists stay up to date with the latest guidance related to Long COVID, including not limited to ICD-10 codes, disability benefits, new terminology, etc.
*Find out more about disability benefits for patients with Long COVID, CLICK HERE.
*Learn more about the ICD-10 Codes to use for Long Covid, CLICK HERE
2. There will continue to be a large demand for virtual SLP services. Seek opportunities to learn more about assessment and treatment via telehealth. There are several CEUs on this topic including this one offered by Medbridge.
3. Don’t allow the novelty of Long Covid "throw us off our SLP game". Speech Language Pathologists have the opportunity to pull our clinical knowledge from other populations (ex: Mild TBI population) and use our clinical judgement to make adjustments to meet the assessment and treatment needs of those with with Long Covid symptoms.
4. Collaboration is key. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary care is essential to management of post COVID symptoms. Let's continue to work with Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, etc. to provide quality patient care. In addition, let's provide education to referral sources on symptoms to look for that warrant an evaluation by a Speech Language Pathologist (ex: cognitive fatigue, poor respiratory-phonatory coordination, memory changes).
5. Speech Language Pathologists are public health workers too. Research suggests that people who received the COVID-19 vaccine (but had a breakthrough infection) are LESS likely to report post-COVID conditions, compared to people who are unvaccinated. Ensuring patients have adequate health literacy skills so they can make informed decisions about their health is part of our Scope of Practice as SLPs. Particularly under the Population & Systems” and “Prevention and Wellness” domain, SLPs are expected to engage in public health efforts. For more information on our Scope of Practice, visit the ASHA website HERE.
6. This is an ongoing situation. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Health, and many other health organizations are continually conducting research to learn more about post COVID-19 symptoms. A large database that can help us track and better understand Long COVID is important. We can help with recruiting efforts! Click HERE to find out more about the National Institute of Health’s Initiative---- RECOVER: https://recovercovid.org/
7. Speech Language Pathologists will continue to see an increase in referrals of individuals with LONG COVID symptoms. For an amazing Continuing Education Course on the assessment and treatment of cognitive communication challenges as a result of Long Covid, view this recorded webinar hosted by MedBridge Education course and presented by Rebecca Boersma, SLP: “Management of Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Long COVID Patients”. I watched the recording recently and it was very insightful.
***If you are not yet subscribed to Medbridge Education for CEUs, i would highly recommend them. Visit https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/the-neuro-slp and use my Promo Code “THENEUROSLP” for $150.
For more general information on “Long Covid” visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html
Wishing you all the best!
-Dana
Comments ()