Expectations and Perceptions of Medical Rehabilitation in Times of Pandemic from the Perspective of Individuals in Need of Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Patients - A Qualitative Study

Purpose Over the past four years, medical rehabilitation providers and their staff have developed strategies to adapt to a new reality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this qualitative survey was to assess patients' expectations from and perceptions of rehabilitation in times of pandemic. The results can contribute to the development of recommendations on how pandemic-related challenges in rehabilitative care can be overcome. Methods In order to gain insights into the perspective of (potential) applicants and rehabilitation patients, 33 guided, individual telephone interviews were conducted. The interview partners were recruited via two cooperation facilities, social media and a network-based snowball approach. The interviews were transcribed and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis in a multi-stage process based on the procedure recommended by Kuckartz. Results Potential applicants and rehabilitation patients commented on expected challenges and opportunities during rehabilitation and on the needs for rehabilitative care during the pandemic. On the one hand, restrictions on therapy and leisure time activities were reported. They also reported psycho-social challenges such as feelings of loneliness and isolation due to contact restrictions. On the other hand, potential patients also perceived opportunities during rehabilitation. They perceived the protective and hygiene measures in the facilities, lower clinic utilisation and smaller group sizes as well as the opportunity to make use of health services and social contact as positive aspects. Conclusion The results show that rehabilitation can be perceived as relieving and health-promoting even in times of a pandemic, despite protective measures that can be restrictive. For some respondents, it is the protective measures that are decisive for the success of and health maintenance during rehabilitation. Whereas the strategies used by the facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic imposed restrictions on patients, their measures to prevent infections and at the same time ensure patient-centered health care brought positive effects and sustainable opportunities for rehabilitation.