Patient experiences of the long COVID–Optimal Health Programme: qualitative interview study in community settings

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2024 - Bristol

Talk Code:

2C.2

Presenter:

Hiyam Al-Jabr

Co-authors:

Hiyam Al-Jabr 1,2, Karen Windle 3, Andrew Clifton 4, David R Thompson 5, David J Castle 6,7, Chantal F Ski 5

Author institutions:

1 University of Keele, Keele, UK, 2 Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, UK, 3 University of Bradford, Bradford, UK, 4 University of Suffolk, UK, 5 Queen’s University Belfast, UK, 6 University of Tasmania, Australia, 7 Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Australia

Problem

Long COVID (LC) is a multisystem disease that persists 12 weeks or more beyond the acute infection. To date, no standardised diagnostic or treatment pathways exist. However, a holistic, person-cantered approach has been recommended to support people with this illness. Following this advice, we examine an optimal health programme tailored specifically for those with LC; the Long COVID Optimal Health Programme (LC-OHP). The LC-OHP was adapted from the Optimal Health Programme, a psychoeducational self-efficacy programme that has been used effectively for patients across number of chronic health conditions. This study aimed to explore the views of using the LC-OHP, by patients with LC, to promote understanding of their experience and identify any suggestions to further improve the programme.

Approach

This study is part of a wider feasibility, randomised controlled trial (n=60) of the LC-OHP. Eligible participants were 18 years old and above, who were diagnosed with LC. Using semi-structured interviews, we examined the experiences of those randomised to the intervention group, with using the LC-OHP. The LC-OHP comprised five sessions plus a booster session. Interviews were conducted post-completion of all programme sessions. Qualitative interviews were conducted by an independent researcher, were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed to identify common, emerging themes.

Findings

Eleven participants were interviewed; they were mostly females of White British ethnicity (n=10, 91%). Overall, findings highlighted the benefits of the programme and tangible ways to improve support provided to people with LC. Five main themes were identified: ‘benefits of the LC-OHP’, ‘Programme materials, delivery logistics and relevance to LC’, ‘suggestions for improving the programme’, ‘Future potential of the LC-OHP’, and ‘other LC supports’. The programme demonstrated potential for assisting patients in the management of their LC associated symptoms, including their physical and mental wellbeing, and in regaining a level of control to better support their recovery. Participants found the programme to be flexible and provided several suggestions on adapting the programme for future users (e.g., adding few more detail on certain aspects) and on its delivery (e.g., consider group discussions). Recognising the heterogenous pleomorphic nature of LC, participants emphasised the importance of communication skills by practitioners as well as the implementation of personalised care that could meet the needs of individual patients. Programme educational and support resources were welcomed and described as relevant to LC and written and presented in a LC-friendly way.

Consequences

Study findings reflected positive experiences and acceptability of using the LC-OHP. The programme demonstrated several benefits related to supporting physical and mental wellbeing of those with LC especially in regard to its adaptable and holistic nature. Suggestions to further adapt the programme to LC and improve its delivery will be considered in future trails.

Submitted by:

Hiyam Al-Jabr

Funding acknowledgement:

This work was funded by the Mental Health Alliance (East Suffolk, West Suffolk and North East Essex) Board, grant number SIV02/0000555 and was sponsored by the University of Suffolk.