These are some of the important points we are picking up on how people with long/post COVID should be managed in general practice/primary care - where most are looking for help and not always getting it
patients need to be listened to, believed and not have their symptoms dismissed as anxiety (which is sadly happening)
GPs need to have empathy and explain about the uncertainties - especially about what may be the cause of their symptoms and the outcomes
GPs need to provide on going support - not just diagnose Long Covid and leave it at that
Patients with lung or heart symptoms need to have their lungs and heart physically examined in a face to face consultation - this cannot be done by phone or Zoom consultation!
Those with significant lung or heart symptoms may need to be referred to a specialist for further assessment and investigation - as there is plenty of emerging evidence to show that a significant proportion of the home managed group have developed lung and heart problems
There needs to be a multidisciplinary approach to management in primary care that brings in community physiotherapists, occupational therapists etc