STIMULATE-ICP-Delphi (Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long-COVID to Address and...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare systems research
• Public health
• Clinical informatics

Background:

• Long COVID presents a complex, multi-system challenge, overwhelming traditional disease-specific care models for long-term conditions (LTCs).
• Existing care pathways are inadequate for managing the multi-morbidity and medically unexplained symptoms often associated with Long COVID.
• Integrated care systems (ICSs) offer a potential framework for developing more holistic and effective care for Long COVID and other LTCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate health service requirements for integrated care plans (ICPs) for Long COVID.
• To assess the applicability of these ICPs to other LTCs, including those with multi-morbidity and medically not yet explained symptoms (MNYES).
• To inform the development of improved integrated care models within ICSs.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi study design involving a diverse expert panel, including individuals with lived experience and clinicians specializing in Long COVID and other LTCs.
• Utilizing a combination of expert panel meetings, surveys, and interviews to gather comprehensive data.
• The study is part of the STIMULATE-ICP programme focused on enhancing integrated care for Long COVID.

Main Results:

• (Results pending publication)
• (Results pending publication)
• (Results pending publication)

Conclusions:

• Developing effective ICPs for Long COVID necessitates a shift towards integrated, holistic care models.
• The findings are expected to guide policy development for ICPs across a spectrum of LTCs, including those with complex multi-morbidity.
• This research will contribute to optimizing integrated care strategies within evolving healthcare systems.