Persistent Complaints after COVID-19: perspectives from the population, patient, and care

Some people who have had a corona infection continue or develop physical, psychological or cognitive complaints; this is called long COVID or persistent complaints after a COVID infection. It is unclear what the causes and consequences of these complaints are for the person and society and how healthcare can provide an answer to them. This research contributes to the development of a care pathway for patients with long COVID. Goal The objective of this research is to generate practically applicable knowledge for improving care for patients with long COVID. The researchers will contribute to the development of a care pathway for patients with persistent complaints after COVID-19. Background Current studies into long COVID do not take into account complaints that were already present before the infection and are largely based on clinical cohorts, while a large proportion of people with long COVID have not been hospitalized. This research is therefore an addition to current research into long COVID. Research design The researchers of this project first map out how often long COVID occurs, what symptoms it involves, and what personal and social consequences it has. To gain more insight into the underlying mechanisms, the researchers are conducting extensive measurements in Lifelines participants with long COVID. Lifelines is a cohort study and biobank in the Netherlands that collects all kinds of data about health and body materials. The current study looks for evidence of organ damage and immunological or metabolic dysregulations in participants with long COVID. The researchers in Lifelines also look at who is at risk of developing long COVID. In addition, patients with long COVID will be interviewed to map their experiences with long COVID and care. All these results come together in an action research, in which healthcare providers will improve care for long COVID together with patients. Executive parties This research is carried out in collaboration with regional general practitioners, paramedics and doctors in secondary and tertiary care by the University Medical Center Groningen, the Radboud University Medical Center and the Lungfonds.