SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19 illness, has undoubtedly caused patient suffering all on its own. But disruptions to other areas of patient care have also impinged on the health of our society in ways which are still unfolding.

In this segment, Dysphagia expert Rinki Varindani Desai shares her perspective on the need for an adaptive health care system response that incorporates equity across health burdens.

Desai doesn't downplay the seriousness of the virus, or of COVID-19 patient long term needs, having aided COVID-19 patients in recovery herself. But Desai also advocates for a return to quality care and attentive monitoring for other conditions.

Desai also emphasizes that we have learned how to use non-pharmaceutical interventions to allow in-person medicine to take place under protective measures.

In addition, Desai describes the value of the entire team involved in infectious disease care and recovery.

Part 1:

Recovering From COVID-19 Ventilator + Lung Injury: Speech Pathology Perspectives

After ventilation, patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection face an often difficult recovery process. They may not be able to speak normally.

In particularly difficult cases, patients may not be able to swallow, introducing a wide range of challenges living daily life.

While the process of recovery varies from individual to individual, many fundamentals of the recovery were pioneered long before COVID-19.

Dysphagia specialist Rinki Varindani Desai shares her perspective on how the pandemic has impacted her work and patients. From patient profile to disruptions in quality of care, Desai gives a comprehensive picture of how both COVID-19 and regulatory issues have impacted her work.