Employment Consequences of COVID-19 on “Long-Haul” Survivors

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that can cause long-lasting adverse consequences after recovery. COVID-19 can also result in functional limitations that affect daily activities and work capacity. Individuals with these lasting complications are known as long haulers. The demand for vocational services and post-acute rehabilitation is increasing and has become urgent. To address the need, we aimed to describe the challenges that individuals recovering from COVID-19 encounter when returning to work and the experiences of the healthcare professionals who assist them throughout that process. DESIGN: Qualitative research with focus groups. SETTING: Outpatient and vocational rehabilitation (VR) clinics affiliated with a Midwest rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: 4 VR counselors and 4 rehabilitation physicians who serve clients recovering from COVID-19. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Uncertain COVID-19 recovery trajectory and unpredictable outcomes, various long-lasting symptoms, and disease complications were the three frequently mentioned challenges when returning to work. To support long haulers in regaining employment, VR counselors and physicians communicated with employers, helped clients adjust to COVID-19-related challenges, provided individualized VR support, and helped obtain or short- or long- term disability benefits. Physicians expressed uncertainty in working with patients with COVID-19 due to the unknown disease and its infectiousness. Counselors recommended various job accommodations including modifying workplace policies, flexible scheduling, changing workplace environment, and modifying job responsibilities. Both physicians and counselors recommend support groups and policy changes. CONCLUSIONS: Long haulers experience persisting physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences of COVID-19 infection requiring rehabilitation therapies and job accommodations. We provide recommendations to guide rehabilitation professionals in helping long haulers return to work. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.