Introduction
There are many open questions about post-COVID. Our study investigated the timeline of symptoms, what elements helped to cope with the condition and the satisfaction with the consultation and interventions.
Methods
Data were collected at time of consultation (t1), after 2 (t2) and 6 (t3) months. The survey included sociodemographic characteristics; symptoms with severity (visual analogue scale (VAS); general health (VAS), Post-COVID Function Scale (PCFS) and Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS). Interviews were conducted with 10 patients at t1 and t3.
Results
49 patients were included (67% women, age 44±13 years). Prescribed were physical reconditioning (n=2), fatigue management (20), psychosomatic therapy (3), a combination (16) or no therapy (8). For 10 further diagnostics was prescribed.
Table 1: significant findings
| t1 | t2 | t3 | p | |
| n | 49 | 43 | 33 | |
| General health VAS, 0-100 (highest) | 53 | 54 | 65 | <0.1 |
| PCFS, 0-4 (worst) | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.8 | <0.1 |
| CFS, 0-11 (worst) | 9.2 | 8.8 | 7.5 | <0.1 |
| Decreased physical performance VAS, 0-10 (highest) | 7 | 6.5 | 5 | <0.5 |
Patients indicated that they felt well cared for and that the consultation met their expectations. Helpful in the doctor-patient interaction were: being taken seriously, appreciative attitude, no false hopes, and enough time to talk. Early psychological support and guided fatigue management were perceived as helpful for coping.
Conclusions
Most referrals to the post-COVID consultation were targeted and only few additional diagnostics required. General health, PCFS and CFS were mostly impaired, with significant improvements over time. Physical performance improved only slightly. Currently, patients can best be supported by attentive interprofessional coaching in disease management.