Feasibility of an Allied Health led, workplace delivered Long COVID service for hospital staff: a mixed methods study

Aruska D'Souza; Catherine Granger; Zoe Calulo Rivera; Aisling Burke; Riley Ngwenya; Carly Struck; Myvanwy Merrett; Timothy Fazio; Genevieve Juj; Casey Peiris

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Feasibility of an Allied Health led, workplace delivered Long COVID service for hospital staff: a mixed methods study

Aruska D'Souza , Catherine Granger, Zoe Calulo Rivera, Aisling Burke, Riley Ngwenya, Carly Struck, Myvanwy Merrett, Timothy Fazio, Genevieve Juj, Casey Peiris

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of a workplace-delivered outpatient multidisciplinary service (ReCOV) for staff experiencing post COVID-19 condition (“Long COVID”). Methods A mixed-methods study of staff at a large, tertiary hospital with Long COVID who attended the service. Participants completed questionnaires to determine baseline symptoms and were offered allied health appointments for up to 12 weeks each based on clinical indication. Acceptability, implementation, practicality, and limited efficacy were evaluated via one-on-one semi-structured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Limited efficacy was evaluated via pre- and post-questionnaires and demand via multidisciplinary utilisation. Results Twenty-three (median age 37 [IQR 30-45] years, 52% female) participants were included. Participants had appointments with a median of 4 [3-5] different professions; most commonly exercise physiology (n=19, 83%), occupational therapy (n=17, 74%) and neuropsychology (n=15, 65%). Median time spent on the ReCOV service was 15 [9-19] weeks. Thirteen semi-structed interviews were completed and analysed. Participants valued ReCOV for being a COVID-19 specific, convenient, flexible and multidisciplinary service at their workplace. Participants preferred the service to have been available for longer than 12 weeks to achieve further benefits as many participants perceived little change in physical health. Conclusions Attending a multidisciplinary service located at their workplace was feasible for staff to manage post COVID-19 symptoms. Further research is required to confirm the efficacy on patient outcomes.

AH24146 Accepted 13 September 2024