Long-term consequences of COVID-19: hardships in the care affect those affected

Long-term consequences of COVID-19: hardships in the care affect those affected

new data show how Long Covid patients experience their care situation

Since June 2023, Long-Covid (LC) affected and their relatives have the opportunity to report their care experiences on a reporting platform of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and the German Society for Patient Safety (DGPS). The first data of this project funded by the Federal Ministry of Health was under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sabine Hammer, Professor of Social Research in the Health & Social Department at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences (HSF), evaluated in cooperation with the cooperation partners.

A total of 264 reports from Long-Covid sufferers were systematically analyzed to examine care barriers and their effects from the perspective of those affected or their relatives. The results of this analysis show what challenges people with Long Covid experience in their care situation.

An important finding is that 85 percent of those surveyed indicate that medical or social contact persons are not sufficiently informed about the clinical picture. This significantly complicates the supply situation of those affected. In addition, 80 percent of the respondents state that their symptoms were not taken seriously and/or classified as psychosomatic. As a result, many LC-affected treatments are obtained, which in their view are not expedient. In particular, sporting activities recommended for mental illnesses can deteriorate the health of those affected.

Furthermore, the data show that specialized outpatient clinics for post -viral syndromes are either difficult to reach, do not accept new patients or have waiting lists of up to two years. The lack of recognition of the disease also means that social benefits such as care and pension are not approved.

The results of this nationwide survey confirm previous research results and illustrate the urgent need for improved training and further education for all actors involved in the care as well as specific supply offers for long-covid sufferers. This is the only way to ensure adequate care.

The data of this survey also show how important it is to recognize Long Covid as a serious multi -system disease. A stigmatization of those affected and the psychological classification of the symptoms as a psychological problem also hinder the supply situation.

The present study provides valuable findings on the supply situation of long-covid sufferers and stimulates the discussion about existing supply barriers. It is now of great importance to implement the results of this investigation into concrete measures to improve the supply situation.