Why the biopsychosocial model needs to be the underpinning philosophy in rehabilitation pathways for patients recovering from COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Following COVID-19 illness, it will be difficult to separate the person and their personal circumstances from COVID-19, and to regard physical, psychological and social factors as independent entities. [...]it is proposed that the BPS model should be the philosophy of care to underpin rehabilitation pathways for patients with COVID-19. [...]as patients recover, the emphasis of need within their rehabilitation will shift from the biomedical and physical, to psychological,9 social and economic influences.10 Crucially, the effects at a personal and societal level will mean that as we move past this pandemic stage, and society returns to ‘normal’, we must acknowledge that the world for many will not be the same again. Coordination and leadership will be challenging, and this will be amplified at a time when capacity is fraught. [...]the promotion of self-management approaches that underpin the BPS will need to be used, so that where appropriate and possible, patients can direct and manage their own care.