2025 年 21 巻 1 号 p. 125-128
Introduction: This case report aims to elucidate the potential of occupational therapy (OT) for patients with severe COVID-19 by highlighting the prolonged recovery of a survivor, with a focus on mental health and social participation.
Case Presentation and Progress: A man in his 50s with diabetes required prolonged hospitalization and mechanical ventilation for severe COVID-19. OT started early and continued for 9 months. The overall rehabilitation team's goals were to restore independent activities of daily living (ADL) and facilitate social participation. OT progressed from basic to complex tasks, including strength training, cognitive rehabilitation, ADL training, and work simulations. At the initial evaluation, the patient demonstrated severe muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, delirium, and elevated anxiety and depression, significantly reducing quality of life (QOL). Following rehabilitation, muscle strength and cognitive function improved and delirium resolved. QOL gradually improved, reaching pre-hospital levels at 7 months. The patient was able to return to work after 8 months. Mental health also improved, corresponding with enhanced social participation, as indicated by the community integration questionnaire.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early and sustained OT in addressing recovery challenges of severe COVID-19 survivors. OT, including vocational assessment and individualized support, facilitated social participation and improved QOL. Although generalizability is limited, this report underscores the potential of OT in optimizing long-term outcomes for severe COVID-19 survivors.
