Up to 20% of patients with Covid-19 develop symptoms that last more than 3 months, whichis known as long Covid or Post-Covid-19 condition. The mechanism of the long termsymptoms is not totally understood although inflammation, autoimmune reactions andthromboembolism are among suspected contributors. At Helsinki University hospital, a longCovid clinic was opened in June 2021. The aim of this cohort study is to monitor thepatients that attend the clinic, follow up their functional abilities, quality of lifeand prognosis.
The patients are asked to give their informed consent for the participation in the cohort
study. They fill in a questionnaire before entering the clinic that assesses their
symptoms, previous medical history, medications, lifestyle, symptoms, sleep, psychosocial
measures including depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life.
The patients are asked to give blood samples that rule out other diseases that may cause
the symptoms. At the clinic, they attend a physician's consultation with physical exam.
Later, in another apppointment, a physicotherapist assesses their physicial functioning
including 6 minutes walking test and grip strength. They also attend a psychologist who
conducts short, 30 min neuro-cognitive testing.
Patients receive psychoeducation of the Post Covid-19 condition and individual, tailored
support and rehabilitation. They are given the opportunity to take part in group
counselling once a week during 6 weeks.
The patients are followed up by nurse telephone calls at 3, 6 and 12 months as well as by
questionnaires via a secured website.
The main outcome measure in this study is functional ability as measured by WHODAS2.0.
Behavioral: Multiprofessional, tailored rehabilitation
Patients receive individual, tailored, multiprofessional rehabilitation
Inclusion Criteria:
- a diagnosed Covid-19 infection at least 3 mo before entry (either PCR positive or
antigen test positive or hospitalisation because of Covid-19)
Exclusion Criteria:
- patients for whom participation would be too exhausting, for example bed patients
- patients who cannot fill in the questionnaires in Finnish
Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland
Investigator: Helena Liira, MD, PhD
Helena Liira, MD, PhD
+358 50 577 1351
helena.liira@hus.fi
Jari Arokoski, Prof
+358 50 428 7901
jari.arokoski@hus.fi
Helena Liira, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator
Helsinki University Central Hospital