The Australian Physiotherapy Association is concerned the health sector is unprepared to manage the next part of the COVID-19 pandemic, long-COVID.
Association national president Scott Willis said while there needs to be a focus on hospitalisation numbers and infection rates, a focus on what lies ahead is just as important
He said the transition from continuous,ongoing emergencies to robust health services working as one, must be a priority for the National Cabinet.
“The health system is strained to breaking point with overwhelming case numbers,” he said.
“As case numbers spiral to frightening levels, the number of Australians requiring ongoing, post-COVID care will continue to place massive strain on health services.
“This will likely occur at a time when exhausted health workers are emerging from the latest (Omicron) variant.
“The focus on hospitalisation numbers and infection rates is understandable. However, planning for the management of longer-term respiratory conditions and other debilitating effects and lingering symptoms, should be more advanced across all jurisdictions.”
Mr Willis and the association wrote to the federal and state governments last year urging them to work with physiotherapists.
He said their rehabilitation treatment is, and will continue to be, essential to the recovery of thousands of Australians afflicted by COVID-19.
Having had COVID-19 himself, he has suffered some long term effects including shortness of breath, lack of energy and emotional issues.
“This is a condition that involves various symptoms, including both physical and mental fatigue, requiring rehabilitative care that extends across a full, multidisciplinary team.
“Governments need to move fast in advancing pathways to COVID-19 recovery. Response plans that allow rapid scaling-up of long-term care where COVID-19 control measures fail, are also necessary. “
Mr Willis said some early estimates suggest that at least 10 to 30 per cent of people will continue to have symptoms for up to 12 weeks after their acute infection.
He supports recommendations that long-COVID be recognised as a distinct and separate disease entity to acute COVID-19 should be considered.
“Our health system has barriers around funding and delivery models that are not being resolved at a national level.
“We need MBS and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme benefits that adequately support patients living with long-COVID, to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
“We don’t know what lies ahead, but we can predict with some certainty that the future demand will be from those suffering on-going health problems post-infection.”
