ABSTRACT
Introduction: Long COVID, an emerging condition, is caused following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patients report a broad spectrum of symptoms including breathlessness and fatigue. NICE recommends pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as a management option in such patients (NICE, 2022;COVID-19 rapid guideline). Our aim was to investigate the number of patients who completed PR and those who, despite PR, had persistent symptoms requiring further management. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective review of patients referred to the Cheshire and Merseyside Long COVID service from March 1st to April 30th, 2021. We analysed adherence to PR and patient outcomes using PR discharge reports and GP records. Result(s): 88 patients were referred to PR. - 60 (68.1%) female - Age range 18-84 (56.8% were 40-59 years old). - 48 (54.5%) completed PR 31 patients did not complete PR. 10 (4.5%) did not respond to contact. 7 (7.9%) self-discharged-4 due to resolution of symptoms. 4 (11.4%) were unable to proceed due to poor health. 10 patients (11.4%) partially completed PR. Of the patients who completed PR, 22 (45.8%) had persistent symptoms which required onward referrals to specialist services (figure 1). Discussion PR improved symptoms in over half of all patients. However, 35% of patients were unable to complete PR due to varying factors which need to be explored further to help improve adherence to PR programmes.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Long COVID is a new phenomenon characterised by multiple physical and psychological symptoms, all of which can affect a person's ability to work. There has been evidence that Long COVID disproportionately affects healthcare professionals (HCPs). Aim(s): We analysed the employment status of referrals to the Cheshire and Merseyside Long Covid assessment service. Method(s): Retrospective case note review of referrals received between 01/03/21-30/09/21. Result(s): 1285 referrals analysed, of which: 59.2% (761) currently working 19.7% (253) long term sick leave . 10.3% (111) retired 0.7% (9) students, of these 33.3% (3) were on placement within hospitals. . 8.6% (132) were unemployed, of these 15.2% (20) contributed this to Long COVID syndrome 1.48% (19) had no record of employment 20.2% (259) worked for the National Health Service (NHS). Table 1 shows the breakdown by sector. Conclusion(s): The results show the ongoing socio-economic impact of COVID-19. Almost 1/3 of the cohort were unemployed or on long-term sick leave. Furthermore, NHS HCP made up the largest proportion of the long-term sick group. Further work could evaluate the occupational risk associated with Long COVID syndrome, especially in healthcare settings.