Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Clinical Pathway for the US Veterans Health Administration

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• The Department of Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) established 22 post-COVID-19 clinics nationwide.
• A growing number of veterans experience long-term sequelae after COVID-19 infection.
• Evidence-based treatments for post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) are still under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and disseminate clinical pathways (CPWs) for managing PCS.
• To guide primary care clinicians in treating veterans with PCS-related dyspnea and/or cough.
• To standardize care, improve health outcomes, and optimize resource utilization within the VHA.

Main Methods:

• Summarizes a stepwise diagnostic approach for primary care.
• Highlights the use of teleconsultation for remote patient access.
• Incorporates telerehabilitation to extend specialized service reach.

Main Results:

• The VHA CPW provides a structured approach to PCS diagnosis and management.
• Telehealth strategies are identified as key to overcoming geographical and logistical barriers.
• The pathways aim to standardize care for veterans experiencing persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The developed clinical pathway offers a standardized approach for managing veterans with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
• Telehealth and telerehabilitation are crucial for equitable access to care, especially for rural or mobility-impaired veterans.
• This initiative supports improved health outcomes and efficient healthcare delivery for a complex patient population.