Long COVID Optimal Health Programme to Enhance Mental and Physical Health: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Clinical Trials
• Psychoeducation

Background:

• Long COVID presents with diverse symptoms like fatigue and cognitive impairment.
• A standardized diagnostic and treatment approach for Long COVID is lacking.
• A holistic, person-centered strategy is recommended for managing Long COVID symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing the Long COVID Optimal Health Programme (LC-OHP).
• To evaluate the initial impact of the LC-OHP on health outcomes in individuals with Long COVID.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility randomized controlled trial was conducted across the UK.
• Adults with Long COVID were randomized to either usual care or the LC-OHP intervention.
• Follow-up assessments were completed at three and six months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The study recruited 60 participants, with an 83% completion rate.
• A majority of LC-OHP participants completed sessions (68%) and reported positive experiences (87%).
• Preliminary data indicated short-term improvements in health outcomes for the LC-OHP group compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the feasibility of delivering the LC-OHP to individuals with Long COVID.
• The LC-OHP shows potential for improving various health outcomes at three and six months.
• Results will inform a larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial for Long COVID.