ReCOV: Recover from COVID-19, Allied Health multidisciplinary service for Long COVID-19. A prospective longitudinal single site evaluation on service.
Myvanwy Merrett1, Aruska D’Souza1, Casey Peiris1, Carly McConnell 1, Timothy Fazio1,2, Hilda Griffin 1, Genevieve Juj1, Catherine Granger 11The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville , VIC, Australia2Melbourne Medical School , Parkville , VIC, Australia
Abstract
Background:
Long COVID-19 may affect physical, psychosocial and cognitive health. In April, 2022, The Royal Melbourne Hospital launched Recover from COVID-19 (ReCOV), a multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation service for people with Long COVID-19.
Aim:
To describe the model of care, service utility and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for participants who attended the ReCOV service.
Methods:
Prospective clinical and service utilisation data were collected and descriptively analysed including participation rates, demand for therapies and perspectives on HRQoL via the EuroQual 5 Dimensions 5 Levels visual analogue scale (EQ5D5L VAS).
Results:
Between May and October 2022, 191 patients were referred to ReCOV (67% female (n=128), median age 44 IQR [34-52] years). Of these, 30 (15%) did not commence as they were uncontactable, redirected to alternative services, or no longer required the service. Median time from referral to ReCOV admission was 30 [15-71] days. Wait time from initial phone contact to first appointment was 13 [6-26] days. At baseline the median EQ5D5L VAS was 50 [30-66] out of 100, 42% of participants reported problems with usual activities, 24% reported problems with walking, and 37% reported anxiety or depression. To address these concerns, the most utilised services were Exercise Physiology (n=87, 45%), Neuropsychology (n=65, 34%) and Occupational Therapy (n=55, 29%). Median time spent in the service was 89 [50-128] days.
Conclusion:
People with Long COVID-19 have a reduced quality of life post COVID-19 diagnosis. The ReCOV clinic provides a multidisciplinary approach to care; further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of this service.
Biography
Myvanwy Merrett is an early career researcher and Physiotherapist with over 8 years of acute clinical experience. She currently works as the ReCOV Allied Health multidisciplinary Team Leader for the Long COVID Clinic and project lead for physiotherapy in pre-operative surgical services at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, with clinical interest in Trauma, General Medicine and post-surgical care.