Physiotherapy New Zealand is calling for equitable
access to health care for those with Long Covid.
PNZ
Cardio-Respiratory Special Interest Group secretary, Dr
Sarah Rhodes supports epidemiologist Michael Baker’s
concern that repeated waves of COVID-19 infection and
reinfection may cause a large burden of disease in New
Zealand.
“We will continue to advocate for Long
Covid clinics and accessibility to audio-visual resources
that support people to manage their symptoms. Physiotherapy
can play a significant part in supporting those with long
term symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness and sleep
disturbance. It is imperative that these services are funded
so that no one misses out.
“In the absence of
funding, Long Covid services are being developed within
existing physiotherapy services, both in hospitals and in
the community. However, this is not sustainable in the long
term without government support, as patient numbers are
likely to increase over time and put even more pressure on
overstretched services.
“Long Covid health care
through the private sector can be costly and exists in only
a handful of urban locations. Without funding and better
access to care, this is likely to further impact those
groups that are often under-served by the existing health
system: Māori, Pacific Peoples, disabled people and those
living rurally.”
The Ministry of Health Guideline
for people living with Long Covid recommends a
multi-disciplinary approach, which would include other
health professionals, such as occupational therapists,
psychologists, speech therapists and social workers, as well
as access to specialists where appropriate.
Dr Rhodes
says this is an important consideration for the development
of any service in future to ensure best practice in the
management of this condition. She says there needs to be
clear pathways for patients to get funded
treatment.
“We are also still hearing cases of some
patients having to fight for recognition that Long Covid is
a real problem. These patients are experiencing persistent
symptoms 12 weeks after their initial COVID-19 infection and
beyond.
“Although patients are experiencing a range
of issues, breathlessness and fatigue are common factors
along with other symptoms, including ‘brain fog’ and
sleep disturbance. With conservative estimates of one in ten
people developing Long Covid, tens of thousands of New
Zealanders are likely to need to support to help them manage
their symptoms,” said Dr Rhodes.
“New Zealand
physiotherapists have been liaising closely with their
overseas counterparts and are increasingly aware of the
issues those with Long Covid face. With our existing skills,
we are well placed to support the management of many common
Long Covid symptoms, including fatigue, breathing pattern
dysfunction, persistent cough, and muscle and joint
pain.”
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