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Broughan J, Sietiņš E, Emily Siu KY, Clendennen N, Collins C, Fawsitt R, Lambert JS, Savinelli S, Skeffington S, McCombe G, Cullen W. Enhancing long COVID care in general practice: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306077. [PMID: 38924005 PMCID: PMC11207167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research suggests that general practice can play an important role in managing long COVID. However, studies investigating the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and patients are lacking and knowledge regarding optimal long COVID care in general practice is therefore limited. AIM To investigate GPs' and patients' perspectives on the topic of long COVID and its management in general practice. METHODS Brief questionnaires (GP n = 11, Patient n = 7) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (GP n = 10, Patient n = 7) were conducted with GPs and patients from Irish general practices during July 2022-January 2023. Interviews were conducted via telephone and audio recordings were transcribed. A phenomenological analysis involving reflexive thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques was adopted. RESULTS Analysis of interviews with GPs (male = 7, female = 3; median age = 50yrs (IQR = 39.5-56)) and patients (males = 2, female = 5; median age = 58yrs (IQR = 45-62yrs) generated four themes. These were (1) Complex presentations (2) the value of standardising care, (3) choosing the right path, and (4) supportive and collaborative doctor-patient relationships. Strong agreement was observed among GPs and patients regarding the need for holistic and integrated multidisciplinary care. Supportive and collaborative doctor-patient relationships were largely well received by GPs and patients also. GPs strongly endorsed standardising long COVID care operations. CONCLUSION GPs and patients indicated that structured, integrated, and collaborative care can help optimise long COVID management in general practice. GPs are advised to incorporate these elements into their long COVID care practices going forward. Future research examining stakeholder's perspectives using larger and longitudinal samples is advised to enhance the generalisability of evidence in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Broughan
- Clinical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emīls Sietiņš
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Nia Clendennen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Coombe Family Practice, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire Collins
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ronan Fawsitt
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Castle Gardens Surgery, Kilkenny, Ireland
- Ireland East Hospital Group, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John S. Lambert
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stefano Savinelli
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Geoff McCombe
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Cooper K, Duncan E, Hart-Winks E, Cowie J, Shim J, Stage E, Tooman T, Alexander L, Love A, Morris JH, Ormerod J, Preston J, Swinton P. Exploring the perceptions and experiences of community rehabilitation for Long COVID from the perspectives of Scottish general practitioners' and people living with Long COVID: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082830. [PMID: 38749696 PMCID: PMC11097876 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the experience of accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation from the perspectives of people with Long COVID and general practitioners (GPs). DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study employing one-to-one semistructured virtual interviews analysed using the framework method. SETTING Four National Health Service Scotland territorial health boards. PARTICIPANTS 11 people with Long COVID (1 male, 10 female; aged 40-65 (mean 53) and 13 GPs (5 male, 8 female). RESULTS Four key themes were identified: (1) The lived experience of Long COVID, describing the negative impact of Long COVID on participants' health and quality of life; (2) The challenges of an emergent and complex chronic condition, including uncertainties related to diagnosis and management; (3) Systemic challenges for Long COVID service delivery, including lack of clear pathways for access and referral, siloed services, limited resource and a perceived lack of holistic care, and (4) Perceptions and experiences of Long COVID and its management, including rehabilitation. In this theme, a lack of knowledge by GPs and people with Long COVID on the potential role of community rehabilitation for Long COVID was identified. Having prior knowledge of rehabilitation or being a healthcare professional appeared to facilitate access to community rehabilitation. Finally, people with Long COVID who had received rehabilitation had generally found it beneficial. CONCLUSIONS There are several patient, GP and service-level barriers to accessing community rehabilitation for Long COVID. There is a need for greater understanding by the public, GPs and other potential referrers of the role of community rehabilitation professionals in the management of Long COVID. There is also a need for community rehabilitation services to be well promoted and accessible to the people with Long COVID for whom they may be appropriate. The findings of this study can be used by those (re)designing community rehabilitation services for people with Long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Cooper
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Edward Duncan
- NMAHP Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Erin Hart-Winks
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Julie Cowie
- NMAHP Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joanna Shim
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Emma Stage
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Tricia Tooman
- NMAHP Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Jenny Preston
- NMAHP Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- Occupational Therapy, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Irvine, UK
| | - Paul Swinton
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
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Barnhill J, Chilcoat A, Kavalakatt B, Mata R, Tiedt M, Roth I. Different but the Same: Common Themes in Illness Experience Among People With Diverse Long COVID Symptoms and the Potential Benefits of Virtual Group Medical Visits. J Patient Exp 2024; 11:23743735241230144. [PMID: 38357361 PMCID: PMC10865942 DOI: 10.1177/23743735241230144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is poorly understood, widespread and debilitating. Integrative medical group visits (IMGVs) provide group medical care virtually or in person and are reimbursed by insurance payors. IMGV introduces integrative modalities such as mindfulness, nutrition, and acupressure in a person-centered, supportive, and educational environment. To evaluate a telehealth IMGV program called Nourish to Flourish (N2F) for patients with long COVID, three researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of pre- and post-group individual interviews. Twenty-five patients provided interviews, of which fifteen included pre- and post-group individual interviews. Main themes were unpredictable symptom patterns, a common range of emotions associated with long COVID experience, reconceptualizing self-identity, multiple barriers to care in conventional settings, and connections formed in N2F. Although symptoms varied, N2F participants found commonalities in their experiences of living with long COVID. They empathized with one another regarding changing symptoms, inconsistent social support, shifting identities, and barriers to effective medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Barnhill
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aisha Chilcoat
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Raveena Mata
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Malik Tiedt
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Isabel Roth
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Figueiredo B, Sheahan J, Luo S, Bird S, Wong Lit Wan D, Xenos S, Itsiopoulos C, Jessup R, Zheng Z. Journey mapping long COVID: Agency and social support for long-hauling. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116485. [PMID: 38056307 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as Post COVID-19 condition, is defined by the WHO as the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least two months with no other explanation. Despite many studies examining the causes and mechanisms of this disease, fewer studies have sought to understand the experience of those suffering from long COVID, or "long-haulers," This study contributes to the understanding of long-haulers (N = 14) by examining the role of agency and social support in shaping their journeys with long COVID. Drawing on a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and video diaries over a three-month period, journey mapping was used to document the participants' experiences, including symptoms, coping strategies, and lifestyle changes. Analysis of these journey maps resulted in a framework with four clusters demonstrating the importance of social support and patient agency shaping participants' Long COVID trajectory; the study contributes valuable insights into the daily lives and challenges individuals face with long COVID, informing the development of targeted support programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Sheahan
- Institute for Design Informatics, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Shiqi Luo
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia.
| | - Stephen Bird
- School of Health and Biostatistics, Swinburne University, Australia.
| | - Dawn Wong Lit Wan
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia.
| | - Sophia Xenos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia.
| | | | - Rebecca Jessup
- Staying Well, Northern Hospital, Epping, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Zhen Zheng
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia.
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Marques FRDM, Laranjeira C, Carreira L, Gallo AM, Baccon WC, Paiano M, Baldissera VDA, Salci MA. Illness Experiences of Brazilian People Who Were Hospitalized Due to COVID-19 and Faced Long COVID Repercussions in Their Daily Life: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 14:14. [PMID: 38247666 PMCID: PMC10813415 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is a multisystem condition that has multiple consequences for the physical, mental, and social health of COVID-19 survivors. The impact of the long COVID condition remains unclear, particularly among middle-aged and older adults, who are at greater risk than younger people of persisting symptoms associated with COVID-19. Therefore, we aimed to understand the experiences of middle-aged and older people who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and the repercussions of long-term COVID symptoms in their daily lives. A qualitative study was carried out, adopting the framework of the constructivist grounded theory (CGT) proposed by Kathy Charmaz. Fifty-six middle-aged and older adult participants from the southern region of Brazil were recruited. Data were gathered from semi-structured telephone interviews. Concomitantly a comparative analysis was performed to identify categories and codes using the MaxQDA® software (version 2022). Three subcategories were identified: (1) experiencing COVID-19 in the acute phase; (2) oscillating between 'good days' and 'bad days' in long COVID; and (3) (re)constructing identity. These concepts interact with each other and converge upon the central category of this study: recasting oneself to the uniqueness of the illness experience of long COVID. Our findings provided insights related to the disruption in the lives of long COVID-19 sufferers who still live with persistent symptoms of the disease, including physical, social, family, emotional and spiritual repercussions. Likewise, this study may aid in developing friendly and welcoming social environments, lowering stigma and prejudice towards patients with long COVID, and fostering prompt and suitable policy support and mental health care for these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francielle Renata Danielli Martins Marques
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic University of Leiria, Rua de Santo André-66-68, Campus 5, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal
| | - Lígia Carreira
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Adriana Martins Gallo
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Wanessa Cristina Baccon
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Marcelle Paiano
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Vanessa Denardi Antoniassi Baldissera
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Maria Aparecida Salci
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá 87020-900, PR, Brazil; (F.R.D.M.M.); (L.C.); (A.M.G.); (W.C.B.); (M.P.); (V.D.A.B.); (M.A.S.)
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Rotar Pavlic D, Maksuti A, Mihevc M, Munda A, Medija K, Strauch V. Long COVID as a never-ending puzzle: the experience of primary care physicians. A qualitative interview study. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0074. [PMID: 37437953 PMCID: PMC11176678 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID provides a new context in which primary health care needs to be re-examined, especially because it has health and social dimensions. Primary care physicians' experiences and perceptions of caring for patients with long COVID are an underexplored area. AIM To explore the experiences of Slovenian primary care physicians in management and treatment of patients with long COVID. DESIGN & SETTING A qualitative interview study of physicians in Slovenian primary care. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were held with physicians who had treated patients with long COVID until saturation was reached. The interviews were carried out between November 2021 and April 2022. Qualitative content analysis (QCA) was used to analyse the data collected. RESULTS Seventeen participants were interviewed. The following five categories were defined based on the coding process: the definition and symptoms of long COVID; social exclusion; sick leave and returning to the work environment; cooperation with rehabilitation centres; and the importance of trust and good communication with the patient. CONCLUSION The study showed the experiences of Slovenian primary care physicians in the management and treatment of long COVID. The problems related to long COVID were divided into two groups: health problems and psychosocial problems. Slovenian physicians have the greatest problems with dealing with the patient's ability to work. It was found that adequate communication and trust between physicians and patients are two important indicators for an integrated model of managing long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Rotar Pavlic
- Galenia d.o.o, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Matic Mihevc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Primary Healthcare Research and Development Institute, Health Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Munda
- University Clinical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karmen Medija
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Viktor Strauch
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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