Paramedical Case Managers in the lead: Evaluation and optimization of a regional innovative care path post-COVID: CARE for Post-COVID

Persistent complaints after a COVID-19 infection are diverse and are often treated by different healthcare providers. In practice, coordination between healthcare providers for patient guidance appears to be difficult. In a recently started pilot in the Nijmegen region, patients can be referred to the newly designed 'post-COVID' care path. A paramedical case manager plays a central role in this. This person is the patient's permanent point of contact, analyzes the patient's problems, coordinates the necessary care and organizes interdisciplinary consultations. The objective of this application is to evaluate this care pathway by measuring clinical outcome measures, patient satisfaction and the experiences of healthcare providers. In addition, healthcare consumption is mapped. Based on the insights obtained, subsequent participatory action research will take place in which the care pathway is optimized and adapted to patient needs.