Patient Experiences with a Tertiary Care Post-COVID-19 Clinic

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) presents complex multisystem challenges.
• Understanding patient experiences in PASC clinics is vital for improving care.
• Early PASC clinics aim to address persistent symptoms after COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient experiences within a newly established PASC clinic.
• To evaluate symptom burden, functional impact, and satisfaction with clinic services.
• To identify barriers to care and gather recommendations for optimizing recovery.

Main Methods:

• A survey was electronically distributed to patients attending a PASC clinic.
• The survey assessed symptoms, functional domains (PROMIS measures), and service satisfaction.
• Qualitative insights were gathered on healthcare experiences and suggested improvements.

Main Results:

• High symptom burden reported: fatigue (77%), "brain fog" (73%), exercise intolerance (73%).
• Significant patient-reported functional deficits in physical, mental, and cognitive domains.
• High satisfaction with clinical services (61%-93%), but challenges with wait times and travel distances.

Conclusions:

• PASC patients face substantial symptom burden impacting multiple functional domains.
• While clinic services are generally satisfactory, logistical barriers and the need for coordinated care persist.
• Continuity of care, multispecialty integration, and timely research dissemination are key for PASC recovery.