A novel interprofessional experience caring for post-intensive care and long COVID patients: the optimal clinic experience

This short report describes the development of an interprofessional ambulatory care clinic with an interprofessional education program at an academic medical center providing comprehensive care to patients previously hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) or with COVID-19 from May 2020 to May 2026. The OPTIMAL Clinic (lOng COVID/PosT-Icu MultidisciplinAry cLinic) was created during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited staff and temporary funding. Our team consisted of clinical pharmacy and physician trainees, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, physicians, and social workers, who collaborated strategically and synergistically to optimize patient care. Across repeated evaluations, the clinic model was associated with increased preventive care and financial sustainability, and decreased emergency department visits and unplanned hospitalizations. Our interprofessional education program achieved high ratings from trainees in preceptor support, onboarding, clinical activities, and interprofessional education. Our OPTIMAL clinic exemplifies a model for interprofessional care and education for the support of complex patients after ICU or COVID-19 hospitalizations.