Second set of CSP Covid-19 rehab standards launched

This set of standards follows the first, published in May, which covered rehab in hospital critical and acute care settings.

These newly-published standards are underpinned by government and NICE guidance and have been developed in consultation with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care (ACPOPC), the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC) and Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People (AGILE). 

They are relevant for all care settings and cover rehabilitation and physiotherapy for people with Covid-19 who are approaching the end of their life.

This includes people who are likely to die from Covid-19 and people with Covid-19 who have advanced, progressive, incurable conditions or life-threatening acute conditions. The standards also cover support for their families and carers.

Standards for palliative rehab and end of life care 

There are 5 quality standards:

1. Assessment, care planning and review
2. Rehabilitation and symptom management
3. Communication and information
4. Co-ordinated rehabilitation and care pathways
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and infection control

A framework for delivering physiotherapy

Emily Stowe is chair of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care (ACPOPC), one of the networks involved in developing the standards.

She said: 'We are really pleased to have worked with the CSP on the rehabilitation standards for palliative rehabilitation and end of life care for people with Covid-19.

'These provide a framework for delivering physiotherapy to this population and should facilitate decision making in these challenging times.'