Abstract

Background: ARS-CoV-2, which emerged in late 2019, has demonstrated significant impacts on the respiratory system and other bodily functions, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe conditions such as pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. Research indicates that long-term consequences of ICU hospitalization include cognitive impairment and physical disability, with delirium identified as a significant risk factor. This context underscores the importance of early and effective interventions, such as occupational therapy, to mitigate the long-term impacts on COVID-19 patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Clinic Hospital University of Chile n=170. Conclusion and key finding: The analyzed COVID-19 patients presented a high incidence of delirium, cognitive and functional impairment at hospital discharge. Early and long-term intervention plans and protocols should be generated for patients with sequelae, with a comprehensive approach that allows patients to regain their independence. COVID-19 patients presented a high incidence of delirium and cognitive and functional impairment at hospital discharge. Patients with delirium had longer hospital stays and worse cognitive performance at discharge than patients without delirium. Early and intensive occupational therapy intervention becomes central to reduce these sequelae.