Management of Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Long
COVID Patients (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Rebecca Boersma
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Neurocognitive impairment and fatigue are considered some of the most prevalent neurological symptoms of long COVID. Speech-language pathologists are in a unique position to help optimize outcomes in the novel long-COVID population because of their experience addressing neurocognitive impairment in other patient populations. Given the novelty of long COVID, there is minimal research, clinical guidance, or awareness of the SLP’s role regarding this population. This webinar will cover the emerging research on long-COVID neurological manifestations and identify how SLPs can maximize patient outcomes using evidence-based treatment. By attending this session, participants can expect to feel more equipped to identify, evaluate, and treat common post-COVID cognitive-communication symptoms with an individualized, patient-centered approach.
Meet your instructor
Rebecca Boersma
Rebecca works as a speech-language pathologist at George Washington University Hospital in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in Washington, DC. Rebecca focuses on person-centered, functional approaches for neurogenic disorders and treats patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, dementia,…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. What Is Long COVID?
In chapter 1, we will briefly discuss various definitions of long COVID at the international level. Participants will also learn about guidelines of long COVID according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2. Post-COVID Clinic
In chapter 2, we will describe the importance of interdisciplinary care between various physician partners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and SLPs. This chapter will also include information on how fragmented care is often a barrier to optimizing outcomes for those with long COVID.
3. Expectations vs. Reality of This Population
Chapter 3 will include information on what we expected to see in our outpatient clinic from both a clinical and demographic standpoint, and what we are actually seeing in our clinic. We will also compare the data in our clinic to two similar long-COVID clinics in Chicago and New York City.
4. Post-COVID Symptoms, Neurologic Manifestations, Comorbidities, and Recovery Patterns
In chapter 4, we will introduce the common symptoms of the post-COVID condition per the CDC and discuss clusters that various studies have used to categorize the symptoms. We will highlight the heterogeneity of long COVID as well as common premorbid and comorbid conditions, neurologic symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and recovery patterns.
5. Evaluation
In chapter 5, we will introduce the SLP’s role in post-COVID cognitive rehabilitation. Because there is no research on evaluation methods in the long-COVID population, this chapter reviews evaluation methods borrowed from the mild traumatic brain injury population that are relevant: personalized education, promoting self-efficacy and resilience, use of motivational interviewing techniques, person-centered outcome measures, and standardized testing.
6. Treatment
In chapter 6, we will discuss evidence-based treatment approaches borrowed from the mild traumatic brain injury population, such as dynamic coaching and metacognitive training/education. We will also introduce participants to concepts such as cognitive pacing and specific techniques used to address executive dysfunction. Finally, we will briefly discuss holistic lifestyle factors known to maximize cognitive health.
7. Case Study
In chapter 7, we will review concepts introduced in the evaluation and treatment chapters through a real-life case study example involving a 24-year-old patient who was evaluated and treated for both cognitive-linguistic and voice complaints.
8. Question and Answer
In this chapter, Rebecca Boersma will go over questions submitted during the webinar.