STIMULATE-ICP-CAREINEQUAL (Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management Understanding Long-COVID to Address and Transfo.pdf (642.74 kB)
STIMULATE-ICP-CAREINEQUAL (symptoms, trajectory, inequalities and management: understanding long-COVID to address and transform existing integrated care pathways) study protocol: defining usual care and examining inequalities in long Covid support
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posted on 2023-06-10, 05:57 authored by Mel Ramasawmy, Yi Mu, Donna Clutterbuck, Marija PantelicMarija Pantelic, Gregory Y H Lip, Christina Van der Feltz-Cornelis, Dan Wootton, Nefyn H Williams, Hugh Montgomery, Rita M Cookson, Emily Attree, Mark Gabbay, Melissa Heightman, Nisreen A Alwan, Amitava Banerjee, Paula LorgellyIntroduction Individuals with Long Covid represent a new and growing patient population. In England, fewer than 90 Long Covid clinics deliver assessment and treatment informed by NICE guidelines. However, a paucity of clinical trials or longitudinal cohort studies means that the epidemiology, clinical trajectory, healthcare utilisation and effectiveness of current Long Covid care are poorly documented, and that neither evidence-based treatments nor rehabilitation strategies exist. In addition, and in part due to pre-pandemic health inequalities, access to referral and care varies, and patient experience of the Long Covid care pathways can be poor. In a mixed methods study, we therefore aim to: (1) describe the usual healthcare, outcomes and resource utilisation of individuals with Long Covid; (2) assess the extent of inequalities in access to Long Covid care, and specifically to understand Long Covid patients' experiences of stigma and discrimination. Methods and analysis A mixed methods study will address our aims. Qualitative data collection from patients and health professionals will be achieved through surveys, interviews and focus group discussions, to understand their experience and document the function of clinics. A patient cohort study will provide an understanding of outcomes and costs of care. Accessible data will be further analysed to understand the nature of Long Covid, and the care received. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from South Central-Berkshire Research Ethics Committee (reference 303958). The dissemination plan will be decided by the patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group members and study Co-Is, but will target 1) policy makers, and those responsible for commissioning and delivering Long Covid services, 2) patients and the public, and 3) academics.
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Publication status
- Published
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- Published version
Journal
PLoS ONEISSN
1932-6203Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)External DOI
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8Volume
17Page range
e0271978 1-10Event location
United StatesDepartment affiliated with
- Division of Medical Education Publications
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- Yes
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- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2023-01-13First Open Access (FOA) Date
2023-01-13First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2023-01-12Usage metrics
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