Long Covid in healthcare workers: longitudinal mixed-methods study

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) report higher rates of Long COVID (LC) than other occupational groups. It is still unclear whether LC is a lifelong condition. Workforce shortfalls are apparent due to sick leave, reduced hours, and lower productivity. To investigate the lived experience of LC on a range of HCWs, including impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL), use of health services, working and personal lives, and household finances. Longitudinal mixed methods with online surveys and qualitative interviews six-months apart. HCWs including healthcare professionals, ancillary and administration staff who self-report LC were recruited through social media and NHS channels. Interviewees were purposively sampled from survey responses. The first survey was completed by 471 HCWs (S1), 302 (64%) the follow-up (S2). 50 HCWs were interviewed initially, 44 at second interview. All participants experienced various relapsing, remitting, changing and prolonged LC symptoms (mean 7.1 [SD 4.8] at S2) and a third reported day-to-day activities "limited a lot". Most participants were working in a reduced capacity: reduced hours, different role, or location. Healthcare was limited, and often unsatisfactory. Participants feared reinfection, their future, ability to work, financial security (59% (n=174) at S2). They experienced stigma, distress, grief for their former-self and some felt unsupported, however as awareness of LC grew some experienced improved understanding and support. Most participants continued working, managing complex and dynamic symptoms effecting their everyday life and ability to work. Most did not report significant improvements over time and feared for their future and financial security.

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https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2518956