Insight into persistent complaints after Covid-19 infection: a mixed methods approach.

Some people who have experienced a corona infection continue or develop complaints in the longer term. This is called Long COVID and little is known about it yet. In this study, the researchers focus on underlying causes and risk factors for Long COVID and map out the care pathways and the nature, severity and duration of the persistent complaints. They pay extra attention to various vulnerable groups in our society. Goal The research into Long COVID contributes to a better characterization and interpretation of Long COVID complaints: • Focus on providing more insight into the nature, severity and duration of the complaints; • Investigate risk factors and clues to possible underlying causes; • Mapping the 'care pathways' of patients with Long COVID and providing advice on possible improvements. Background The researchers use 3 different cohorts: The EPD cohort with irreducibly linked data from: i. electronic patient records (EPDs) from general practices and general practitioner posts (Nivel First Line Healthcare Registries and academic GP networks (Maastricht, Radboud and Groningen) ii. the hospital registrations (National Basic Register of Hospital Care, LBZ) iii. socio-economic and demographic data from Statistics Netherlands. These 3 databases are linked at individual patient level, are nationally representative and cover 10% of the Dutch population. A distinction is made between people with persistent COVID complaints (~14,000 people) and, among other things, a control group of people with COVID infection, but without persistent complaints (~126,000 people); The Nivel Corona cohort: from more than 400 corona patients, in addition to data from EPDs, we also collect data from questionnaires about their quality of life and how they experience their complaints and care. The questionnaires are administered immediately after infection and after 3, 6 and 12 months; Interviews: 16-20 patients, including patients with low health literacy, and 8-10 general practitioners are interviewed to identify specific points of interest in vulnerable patient groups. Research design Quantitative and qualitative research methods are combined within the research. For example, existing data from electronic patient files from general practitioners and hospitals are combined and analyzed and data is collected and analyzed through questionnaires and interviews. (First) Results The results offer healthcare providers and patients starting points for better support and early recognition of patients with persistent COVID-19 complaints. Results are distributed nationally and internationally through various platforms and organizations. A patient panel and advisory committee with representatives of relevant stakeholders advise the project. The project group shared a news report and article about their insights regarding the number of individuals with post-COVID syndrome. Here you will find the news item and here the scientific article . Executive parties The project is a collaboration between Nivel, UMCG, Radboud UMC, MUMC and Dutch Hospital Data.