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News ArticleNearly a third of people who were discharged from hospitals in England after being treated for COVID-19 were readmitted within five months – and almost one in eight died, a study suggests. The research, which is still to be peer-reviewed, also found a higher risk of problems developing in a range of organs after hospital discharge in those younger than 70 and ethnic minority individuals. “There’s been so much talk about all these people dying from Covid … but death is not the only outcome that matters,” said Dr Charlotte Summers, a lecturer in intensive care medicine at the University of Cambridge who was not involved in this study. “The idea that we have that level of increased risk in people – particularly young people – it means we’ve got a lot of work to do.” There is no consensus on the scale and impact of “long Covid”, but scientists have described emerging evidence as concerning. According to recent figures provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a fifth of people in England still have coronavirus symptoms five weeks after being infected, half of whom continue to experience problems for at least 12 weeks. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 18 January 2021
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Content Article
Prof Danny Altmann of Imperial College London is a clinical immunologist who is passionate about understanding the immune system and how it impacts on human health. Here he is interviewed by Margaret O'Hara and Claire Hastie of Long COVID Support, to answer questions about the COVID vaccines and the implications for people with Long COVID. -
EventuntilThis webinar from the Westminster Health Forum focuses on the ongoing research into the long-lasting effects of COVID-19 and the priorities for coordinating effective care provision and treatment. The conference follows NICE guidance being published on managing the long term effects of COVID, and NHS England setting up long COVID assessment centres across the country. Key areas for discussion include: progress of research so far and priority focus areas going forward the development of guidance for long COVID improving patient awareness, supporting self-management and the importance of patient-centred care delivery the role of long COVID assessment centres and early lessons from their development supporting primary care in responding effectively to long COVID, integrated working and priorities for the use of multidisciplinary teams in assessment and rehabilitation. Register
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Content Article
Long Covid week: Parliamentary content
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Patient recovery
As part of March for Change's efforts to improve the government’s response to COVID-19, Long Covid week (11-15 January 2021) highlighted the experiences of the hundreds of thousands of people living with Long Covid with a briefing for politicians; the first ever Parliamentary debate on Long Covid in the House of Commons; and a live Q&A event on Long covid with a panel of MPs and experts. -
News ArticleYounger people who think they are “invincible” need to be aware of the shocking life-changing reality of long Covid, according to health professionals who are living with the condition. Long Covid, also known as post-Covid syndrome, is used to describe the effects of COVID-19 that continue for weeks or months beyond the initial illness. Speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coronavirus, Dr Nathalie MacDermott, 38, said neurologists believe Covid has damaged her spinal cord and she can only walk about 200 metres without some form of assistance. She said the damage has affected her bladder and bowel too, causing urinary tract infections, and she gets pain in her arms and has weakness in her grip. Dr MacDermott, a clinical doctor sub-specialising in paediatric infectious diseases in the NHS, told MPs there needs to be “better recognition” from employers that long Covid is a “genuine condition” and that people may need to be off work for a significant period of time. She added: “And I think we need better recognition in the public, particularly the younger public who think that they’re invincible. “I’m 38 and I wonder if I’ll ever be able to walk properly without crutches again. Will this continue to get worse? Will I end up in a wheelchair?” Read full story Source: 12 January 2021, Lancashire Post
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Content Article“Long Covid” was first used by Elisa Perego as a Twitter hashtag in May to describe her own experience of a multiphasic, cyclical condition that differed in time course and symptomatology from the bi-phasic pathway discussed in early scientific papers, which focused on hospitalised patients. Just three months later, following intense advocacy by patients across the world, this patient made term has been taken up by powerful actors, including the World Health Organization. Politicians have used it too: Matt Hancock, UK health secretary, explained to a parliamentary committee that “the impact of long covid can be really debilitating for a long period of time.” “Long Covid” has clearly struck a chord. However, it’s not the only term being used to describe persistent symptoms: we’ve also seen post-acute COVID-19, postcovid syndrome, and chronic COVID-19. In this BMJ Opinion article, Elizabeth Perego and colleagues explains why, as patients and professionals, they see “Long Covid” as better able to navigate the socio-political, as well as clinical and public health challenges, posed by the pandemic in the coming month.
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Content Article
Times Radio: Long COVID (8 January 2021)
PatientSafetyLearning Team posted an article in Patient recovery
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In this section of Kate Borsay's Time Radio programme (listen from 1:08), we hear from three patients who are suffering debilitating and long term symptoms of COVID-19, in some cases more than a year after first feeling unwell. They are joined by former Minister of State (Department of Health), Norman Lamb and Dr David Arnold as they discuss the widespread impact on people's lives, the growing number of people suffering and the need for greater support and resource for this growing crisis. -
News Article
Coronavirus hospital patients still have symptoms six months later, study finds
Clive Flashman posted a news article in News
Three quarters of patients surveyed at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan, China had at least one ongoing symptom The majority of people admitted to hospital with coronavirus still had symptoms six months after getting ill, a new study has revealed. Over three quarters of Covid patients surveyed at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan, China had at least one ongoing symptom – with the most commonly reported being fatigue or muscle weakness. A total of 1,733 patients, with a median age of 57, were examined for the study between 7 January and 29 May last year. At a follow-up, 76% of patients reported at least one ongoing symptom. Read the full article here -
Content ArticleThis survey has been designed by the Long Covid Support Group to collate information on the patient experience of Long COVID clinics in England (also referred to as Assessment Centres), announced on December 18th, 2020. Data collected will be anonymised and analysed to produce a report to inform medical professionals, health organisations and interested stakeholder groups such as NHSE, Royal Colleges and research bodies. This survey is initially open for a 4 week period, with results expected to be published in Spring 2021.
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News Article
Many 'long Covid' sufferers unable to fully work six months later
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Many people suffering from “long Covid” are still unable to work at full capacity six months after infection, a large-scale survey of confirmed and suspected patients has found. While COVID-19 was initially understood to be a largely respiratory illness from which most people would recover within two or three weeks, as the pandemic wore on increasing numbers reported experiencing symptoms for months on end. These long haulers – with symptoms affecting organs ranging from the heart to the brain – have no real explanation and no standardised treatment plan for their long-term condition. There is no consensus on the scale and impact of long Covid but emerging data is concerning. In one of the largest studies yet, which has not been peer reviewed, Patient Led Research for COVID-19 (a group of long Covid patients who are also researchers) surveyed 3,762 people aged 18 to 80-plus from 56 countries who responded in nine different languages to 257 different questions Two-hundred and five symptoms across 10 organ systems were recorded, with 66 symptoms traced over seven months. On average, respondents experienced symptoms from nine organ systems. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 5 January 2021 -
Content ArticleA significant number of patients with COVID-19 experience prolonged symptoms, known as Long COVID. Few systematic studies have investigated this population, particularly in outpatient settings. Hence, relatively little is known about symptom makeup and severity, expected clinical course, impact on daily functioning, and return to baseline health. Davis et al. conducted an online survey of people with suspected and confirmed COVID-19, distributed via COVID-19 support groups and social media. Patients with Long COVID reported prolonged, multisystem involvement and significant disability. By seven months, many patients have not yet recovered (mainly from systemic and neurological/cognitive symptoms), have not returned to previous levels of work, and continue to experience significant symptom burden.
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Content ArticleThe Queen’s Nursing Institute has published a resource for community nurses caring for people living with COVID-19. Commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement, ‘Living with COVID-19 (Long Covid) and Beyond’ provides information to support nurses working in community, care homes and primary care and also to the wider multi-disciplinary team including clinical knowledge, care responses and skills when caring for people during their recovery and rehabilitation. It is predicted that there will be a ‘new wave’ of physical, mental and emotional health challenges as individuals enter recovery from COVID-19 infection – and for some this is combined with issues resulting from the social and economic impact of lockdown, such as isolation and unemployment. The resource also aims to help nurses assist people, families, carers and employers to work towards managing post COVID-19 symptoms, regaining everyday life activities and returning to independent living wherever possible. It includes information on physical care, psychological and neuro-psychological care, social impact and features several case studies.
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News ArticleWith the excitement of the Covid vaccine’s arrival, it may be easy to forget and ignore those of us with “long Covid”, who are struggling to reclaim our previous, pre-viral lives and continue to live with debilitating symptoms. Even when the NHS has managed the herculean task of vaccinating the nation, COVID-19 and the new mutant variants of the virus will continue to circulate, leaving more people at risk of Long Covid. Data from a King’s College London study in September suggested as many as 60,000 people in the UK could be affected, but the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics suggest it could be much higher. Joanna Herman is a consultant in infectious diseases. "Long Covid' is anything but a mild illness". Nine months on from having the virus, she is seriously debilitated. She explains how the new NHS clinics need to help the thousands of people with Long Covid. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 27 December 2020
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News ArticlePeople who suffer from the debilitating effects of long Covid should be offered psychiatric care, the first clinical guidance to be published on the subject recommends. The guidelines urge healthcare professionals to look out for signs that patients who continue to suffer symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks after contracting the virus are at risk of self-harm. In the new advice, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Royal College of General Practitioners, say people with ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 or suspected post-Covid 19 syndrome, whose symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, should be “urgently” referred for assessment if they have severe psychiatric symptoms or are at risk of self-harm or suicide. The guidelines state: “Follow relevant national or local guidelines on referral for people who have anxiety and mood disorders or other psychiatric symptoms. Consider referral for psychological therapies if they have common mental health symptoms, such as symptoms of mild anxiety and mild depression, or to a liaison psychiatry service if they have more complex needs (especially if they have a complex physical and mental health presentation).” Read full story (paywalled) Source: The Telegraph, 18 December 2020
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News Article
Layla Moran secures first Commons debate on Long Covid
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Layla Moran, Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon and Chair of the APPG on Coronavirus, has secured the first Commons debate on Long Covid on Thursday 7 January following cross-party support. The Backbench Business Committee granted the application by Layla Moran, co-sponsored by Dr Dan Poulter MP (Con) and Andrew Gwynne MP (Lab) and supported by many others. Layla said that the debate “is long overdue” and called on “those with lived experience and clinical experience to tell us your stories” in advance of the debate. Layla Moran said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to secure this important debate on Long Covid, which is long overdue. The APPG on Coronavirus, which I chair, has submitted recommendations to the Government on this, and the debate will give us the opportunity to hold them to account and represent our constituents suffering from it." “What’s really important now is that as many MPs as possible take part in the debate, so we can give this the profile it deserves and give the Government the opportunity to listen and respond to our concerns. Thank you to my cross-party colleagues for supporting this. I’m calling on those with lived experience and clinical experience to tell us your stories between now and the 7 January. This is a crucial opportunity.” Read full story Source: Liberal Democrats, 19 December 2020 -
News Article
Long COVID patients to get help at more than 60 clinics
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Thousands of patients suffering with the long term symptoms of coronavirus can now access specialist help at more than 60 sites, NHS England announced today. The assessment centres are taking referrals from GPs for people experiencing brain fog, anxiety, depression, breathlessness, fatigue and other debilitating symptoms. NHS England has provided £10 million for the network of clinics, which started opening last month. There are now 69 operating across the country with hundreds of patients already getting help. The new centres bring together doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists to offer both physical and psychological assessments and refer patients to the right treatment and rehabilitation services. Ten sites are now operational in London, seven in the East of England, eight in the Midlands, South East and South West respectively, nine in the North West and a further 18 across the North East and Yorkshire. A further 12 sites are earmarked to launch in January in the East Midlands, Lancashire, Cornwall and Isle of Wight. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has today also issued official guidance on best practice for recognising, investigating and rehabilitating patients with long COVID. Patients can access services if they are referred by a GP or another healthcare professional, so that doctors can first rule out other possible underlying causes for symptoms. Read full story Source: NHS England, 18 December 2020 -
Content Article
This guideline covers identifying, assessing and managing the long-term effects of COVID-19, often described as ‘Long COVID’. It makes recommendations about care in all healthcare settings for adults, children and young people who have new or ongoing symptoms 4 weeks or more after the start of acute COVID-19. It also includes advice on organising services for Long COVID. -
Content Article
The Long Covid Forum 2020 video (12 December 2020)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Patient recovery
Coverage from the Long Covid Forum 2020, in association with ISARIC and GLOPID-R LongCovid.org. -
News Article
Coronavirus: one in ten patients have symptoms lasting three months or more
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
One in 10 people infected with the coronavirus experience symptoms that last for three months or longer, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said. A new analysis aimed at determining the extent of the “long Covid” problem among infected patients also found that one in five reported having symptoms that lasted for five weeks or longer. The ONS said it estimated that during the week ending on 28 November, there were about 186,000 people in England living with COVID-19 symptoms that had lasted between five and 12 weeks. This number could be as high as 221,000, the ONS warned. It said the data was experimental and based on the findings from its infection survey of households. Read full story Source: The Independent, 16 December 2020 -
Content ArticleAlthough most majority of COVID-19 cases are mild, some patients with initial mild to moderate forms of COVID-19, complain of persistent or resurgent symptoms. The aim of this study from Salmon-Deron et al. was to describe the clinical, biological and imaging profile of such patients in order to suggest a classification of the symptoms and raise hypotheses about their pathophysiology.
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Content ArticleMultiorgan symptoms after COVID-19 are being reported by increasing numbers of patients. They range from cough and shortness of breath, to fatigue, headache, palpitations, chest pain, joint pain, physical limitations, depression, and insomnia, and affect people of varying ages. At the Lancet–Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences conference on Nov 23, Bin Cao presented data (in press at The Lancet) on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 for patients in Wuhan, and warned that dysfunctions and complications could persist in some discharged patients for at least 6 months. So-called long COVID is a burgeoning health concern and action is needed now to address it.
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Content ArticleIn this opinion piece, authors highlight the growing cohort of patients who are suffering symptoms many months after their initial COVID-19 infection and the increasing demand on GP services. They also highlight a need for studies that can illuminate the underlying mechanism and for insights into the nature of this condition, how long it’s likely to go on for, what can be done about it, and through which clinical specialties. "Many estimates of long covid suggest that greater than 10% of acute cases have features that do not resolve over the subsequent months. Extrapolated to the current global burden of covid-19, this suggests potentially over five million current "long haulers"."
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Content ArticleLast week, Patient Safety Learning’s Chief Executive, Helen Hughes, gave an overview of some of the patient safety issues we’ve focused on this year. We then published the first of five mini blogs, looking at one of these key areas, namely the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient safety. This week, we turn our focus to Long COVID. Long COVID is a condition where people experience debilitating and sometimes severe symptoms for more than 12 weeks following confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and where their condition cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.
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Content ArticleEarlier this week, Patient Safety Learning’s Chief Executive, Helen Hughes, looked back over 2020, highlighting some of the big themes in patient safety we’ve seen this year and our own work in these areas. This is the first of five mini blogs, where we give an overview of each of these themes in turn. In this blog, we look at the impact COVID-19 has had on patient safety. As an additional option to the text below, you might like to watch the following short video from our Business and Policy Manager, Mark Hughes.
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Content ArticleThe All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coronavirus was set up in July 2020 to conduct a rapid inquiry into the UK Government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's purpose is to ensure that lessons are learnt from the UK Government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak to date, and to issue recommendations to the UK Government so that its preparedness and response may be improved in the future. This is the biggest review to date of the UK response to the pandemic. It comes with 71 key findings and 44 recommendations to government. In total, the APPG spoke with 65 witnesses and held 30+ hours worth of public evidence sessions streamed on social media. They received and processed just under 3,000 separate evidence submissions.
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