People who are older, those who had underlying other health conditions and people livingin poorer communities are at increased risk of complications and worse outcome fromCOVID-19. They are more likely to be admitted to hospital with this virus. In the UK in2020, over 130,000 people were admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Whilst admission ratesfell since then, there is a need to understand better the potential impact of the manysymptoms resulting from a COVID-19 infection on patients and the health services. Toachieve this, the respiratory team in the University Hospital set up a COVID-19 follow-upclinic for patients who had COVID-19 infection. In this clinic, for a period of 12 weekspatients have chest X-rays, blood tests and virtual medical consultations. The clinic hasbeen running for three years.This study will be conducted study to understand the expectations, preferences andexperiences of patients who have been receiving care in the clinic. On one hand, patientswho have received care in the clinic during the last yearwill be interviewed. On theother hand, patients who have been newly referred to the clinic will be interviewedbefore they start it and also after 12 weeks about how their expectations have been met.Patients will be identified by their clinical team and after consenting to take part inthe study, they will be interviewed by qualitative researchers who will also analyse theinterview data using scientific methods. The results of this study will helpunderstanding whether changes are to be made to this clinic and also inform futuresimilar services should they be needed.
The long-term consequences of COVID-19 remain unclear. People who are older, have medical
comorbidities and those who live in areas of increased socio-economic deprivation are at
increased risk of poor outcome and complications from COVID-19 (1).
In 2020, over 130,000 people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the UK (2).
Whilst admission rates fell, the potential impact of 'post-COVID' syndromes on patients
and the health services need longer-term further investigation.
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) COVID-19 Guidance advises follow-up of patients who
had COVID-19, depending on whether the patient required intensive/higher care versus
ward/community care.1. For mild/moderate disease, BTS recommends virtual follow-up with a
chest X-ray (1). A wide range of symptoms and reduced HRQoL has been detected in these
patients reinforcing the importance of a implementing a holistic approach advocated by
the BTS and other guidelines (2).
The COVID follow-up service was set up in 2020 in the Southampton General Hospital to
provide longer-term care to patients with COVID-19 chest symptoms. The changing nature of
the pandemic and an extension of the cohort from patients discharged after hospital stay
for COVID-19 infection to previously not hospitalised patients referred by GPs call for
an evaluation of the COVID follow-up clinic to explore patient experiences, expectations,
and preferences with this service.
Other: Qualitative Interview
Qualitative, semi-structured interview
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 or over
- Must have had a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection
- Must have been discharged from hospital following admission with Covid-19 infection
OR
- Must have been referred to by their GP and accepted into the UHS COVID follow-up
clinic
- Retrospective study arm: must have been receiving care in the UHS COVID follow-up
clinic at any stage in the last 12 months
- Prospective study arm: must be newly referred to UHS COVID follow-up clinic
- Conversational level of English that does not require a translator
- Giving written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Less than 18 years old
- Not followed up at UHS post discharge from hospital after admission for COVID-19
infection OR
- Not accepted into the UHS COVID follow-up clinic
- Retrospective study arm: received care in the COVID follow-up clinic more than 12
months prior to enrolment in the study
- Unwilling or unable to give informed consent
- Unwilling or unable to participate in the interview
Judit Varkonyi-Sepp
Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Investigator: Judit Varkonyi-Sepp, Principle Investigator
Contact: 023 8120 6315
j.varkonyi-sepp@soton.ac.uk
Investigator: Ben Marshall, Dr
Not Provided