Enhancing long COVID care in general practice: A qualitative study

by John Broughan, Emīls Sietiņš, Ka Yuet Emily Siu, Nia Clendennen, Claire Collins, Ronan Fawsitt, John S. Lambert, Stefano Savinelli, Stephanie Skeffington, Geoff McCombe, Walter Cullen

Introduction

Research suggests that general practice can play an important role in managing long COVID. However, studies investigating the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and patients are lacking and knowledge regarding optimal long COVID care in general practice is therefore limited.

Aim

To investigate GPs’ and patients’ perspectives on the topic of long COVID and its management in general practice.

Methods

Brief questionnaires (GP n = 11, Patient n = 7) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (GP n = 10, Patient n = 7) were conducted with GPs and patients from Irish general practices during July 2022-January 2023. Interviews were conducted via telephone and audio recordings were transcribed. A phenomenological analysis involving reflexive thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques was adopted.

Results

Analysis of interviews with GPs (male = 7, female = 3; median age = 50yrs (IQR = 39.5–56)) and patients (males = 2, female = 5; median age = 58yrs (IQR = 45-62yrs) generated four themes. These were (1) Complex presentations (2) the value of standardising care, (3) choosing the right path, and (4) supportive and collaborative doctor-patient relationships. Strong agreement was observed among GPs and patients regarding the need for holistic and integrated multidisciplinary care. Supportive and collaborative doctor-patient relationships were largely well received by GPs and patients also. GPs strongly endorsed standardising long COVID care operations.

Conclusion

GPs and patients indicated that structured, integrated, and collaborative care can help optimise long COVID management in general practice. GPs are advised to incorporate these elements into their long COVID care practices going forward. Future research examining stakeholder’s perspectives using larger and longitudinal samples is advised to enhance the generalisability of evidence in this area.