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Event
Spotlight on Long Covid: Part 3
Patient Safety Learning posted an event in Community Calendar
At least 65 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have Long Covid, and more than 200 symptoms have been identified and attached to this often-debilitating illness*. Three years on from the start of the pandemic we continue to navigate and build our understanding of Long Covid’s impact, its best treatment pathways and question what the future holds. Following on from their first two episodes in this series, The Royal Society of Medicine return to the topic with ‘Spotlight on Long Covid, part 3’. This extended webinar programme will present the most up-to-date knowledge of the condition, highlight findings from ongoing research and share key insights from clinicians, researchers and patients. Joining the webinar will be researchers from the LOCOMOTION study**, a £3.4 million project identifying the best ways to treat and support Long Covid, alongside clinicians who lead on the treatment, service development and our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19. By attending this webinar, you will: Receive an update on the latest statistics and research surrounding Long Covid Receive advice on how to manage and support patients with Long Covid Understand the treatment pathways currently available for those with Long Covid and how these pathways are resourced within the NHS Dive deeper into the key health topics within Long Covid, looking at symptoms, treatment, research and patient experience Register -
News Article
Mysterious new long Covid symptom identified by scientists
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A new symptom of long Covid has been revealed by scientists at the University of Leeds. Though most people who contract Covid recover within a few days or weeks of experiencing initial symptoms, some people can experience longer, more persistent symptoms – termed Long Covid or post Covid-19 syndrome by the NHS. Until now, the most commonly identified symptoms have included extreme tiredness, loss of smell, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Others include memory problems, chest pain, insomnia, heart palpitations, dizziness, joint pain, tinnitus and depression and anxiety. Now, a new study has revealed a previously unidentified symptom of long Covid. Published in The Lancet medical journal, the research detailed a new symptom of the condition after a 33-year-old man was referred to the specialists’ clinic. The patient had a six-month history of what the authors describe as a “rapid purple discolouration” on his legs. When standing, he remarked that they would feel progressively heavier and become “tingly, itchy and dusky” in colour. He added that a rash would occasionally appear on his feet, but that the mysterious symptoms would disappear when laying down. The disorder is known as acrocyanosis or persistent and extreme blue or cyanotic discolouration. It typically occurs in the hands and feet but can also appear across the nose and ears. “This was a striking case of acrocyanosis in a patient who had not experienced it before his Covid-19 infection”, said co-author Dr Manoj Sivan, associate clinical professor and honorary consultant in rehabilitation medicine at the University of Leeds. “Patients experiencing this may not be aware that it can be a symptom of Long Covid and dysautonomia, and may feel concerned about what they are seeing. Similarly, clinicians may not be aware of the link between acrocyanosis and Long Covid. We need to ensure that there is more awareness of dysautonomia [malfunctioning of the nervous system] in Long Covid so that clinicians have the tools they need to manage patients appropriately.” Read full story Source: The Independent, 15 August 2023 -
Content ArticleIn a new Lancet Respiratory Medicine Series about Long Covid, Sally J Singh and colleagues discuss the origins of respiratory sequelae and consider the promise of adapted pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and physiotherapy techniques for breathing management. Pratik Pandharipande and colleagues review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of neuropsychological sequelae of COVID-19-related critical illness, highlighting the combined threat of long COVID and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), and outline potential mitigation strategies. Finally, Matteo Parotto and colleagues discuss pathophysiological mechanisms of diverse, multisystem sequelae in adult survivors of critical illness, including longitudinal effects of endothelial and immune system dysfunction, and consider the challenges of providing appropriate care and support for patients.
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Content Article
As reported recently, the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition called upon the Scottish Government to reinstate 'universal masking' in health and social care settings. In this statement written in support of their campaign, an occupational safety and health practitioner, David Osborn, explains the legal requirements for risk assessments that the Government ought to have undertaken before reaching such a decision that exposes healthcare staff to the life-changing consequences associated with repeat Covid-19 infections. He also explains the legal duty of the Government to consult with workers before implementing changes that may affect their health and safety. Neither duty (risk assessment nor prior consultation with workers) appears to have been well met, putting the Scottish Government and Health Boards in breach of UK-wide health and safety law. -
Content Article
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is the independent public inquiry set up to examine the UK’s response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and learn lessons for the future. In order to fully understand the impact of the pandemic on the UK population, the Inquiry is inviting the public to share their experiences of the pandemic by launching Every Story Matters. It will inform the Inquiry’s work by gathering pandemic experiences which can be brought together and represent the whole of the UK, including those seldom heard. The output of Every Story Matters will be a unique, comprehensive account of the UK population’s experiences of the pandemic, to be submitted to the Inquiry’s legal process as evidence. This toolkit contains information and creative assets that can be used to encourage participation in Every Story Matters. Every Story Matters aims to provide inclusive methods for people to talk about their experience of the pandemic, so anyone that wants to share their story feels heard, valued, and can contribute to the Inquiry. -
News Article
Doctors call for return of face mask guidance
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Doctors have warned the decision to remove face mask guidance in healthcare settings is "playing Russian roulette" with staff and patients' welfare. It was withdrawn in May in hospitals, dentists and GP surgeries having been in place since June 2020. Doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland condemned the decision at the time. Now, the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition has written to ministers to highlight the "very serious flaws" in changing the guidance. The group is made up of Scottish healthcare workers who worked throughout the pandemic and are now living with long Covid or another chronic post-viral illness or disability. In the letter, the coalition states the updated guidance is not based on the science of coronavirus transmission and "represents a flawed and dangerous decision which will result in more infection in health and social care settings". Dr Shaun Peter Qureshi, of the Scottish Healthcare Workers Coalition, said: "At-risk patients have entirely legitimate concerns that they may endanger their health by visiting their GP or hospital. "With at least 4% of NHS staff now living with chronic post-Covid complications, the Scottish government must follow the evidence and improve protections from the airborne spread (of the virus) in healthcare settings, not reduce them." Read full story Source: BBC News, 17 July 2023 -
News Article
Long Covid causing 'debilitating impact' on doctors
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A "significant" number of doctors are still suffering with the "debilitating effects" of Long Covid, according to a new report. Many are left in financial limbo as they have been forced to quit work or reduce their hours, the British Medical Association (BMA) report warns. Some 600 doctors with long COVID were quizzed about the impact on their day-to-day lives. One in five told the BMA and the Long COVID Doctors for Action group they had been forced to stop work or significantly cut back on their hours. Carrying out essential daily activities such as getting dressed, household activities, and childcare have become difficult or not possible for 60% of the medics who took part in the survey. Nearly half (49%) said they have experienced loss of earnings as a result of Long Covid symptoms of which include: fatigue, headaches, muscular pain, nerve damage, joint pain, ongoing respiratory problems. The BMA has made a series of calls to support doctors with Long Covid, including: Financial support for doctors and other health workers with Long Covid. Long Covid to be recognised as an "occupational disease". Better access to physical and mental health services for those affected after the report said that access to NHS long COVID clinics is "patchy". Greater "workplace protection" for staff. More support to help healthcare workers return to work "safely". Read full story Source: Medscape, 3 July 2023 -
Content ArticleA significant number of doctors and other healthcare workers have developed post-acute COVID, including a large number who developed it as a result of workplace exposure to Covid-19. This paper examines the impact post-acute Covid symptoms have had on the medical workforce, personally and professionally. It provides a unique and valuable insight into the experience of UK doctors suffering from post-acute Covid. It has been informed by a UK survey of over 600 doctors suffering from the continuing effects of an infection with Covid-19, as well as wider research of the issues. The survey was undertaken by the British Medical Association (BMA) in partnership with Long COVID Doctors for Action. This is the first comprehensive survey of doctors with post-acute Covid health complications. This paper should inform the support needed by current sufferers of post-acute COVID in the NHS workforce, and help protect services and patients now and in the future.
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News Article
Long Covid can impair quality of life more than advanced cancers, study says
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Many people with Long Covid have a lower health-related quality of life than people with some advanced cancers, research suggests. Fatigue is the symptom with the greatest impact on the daily lives of Long Covid patients, according to a study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the University of Exeter. They found that many were seriously ill and had fatigue scores worse than or similar to people with cancer-related anaemia or severe kidney disease. Their health-related quality of life scores were also lower than those of people with advanced metastatic cancers, such as stage 4 lung cancer. Overall, the impact of long Covid on the daily activities of patients was worse than that for stroke patients and comparable to people with Parkinson’s disease. The study co-author Prof William Henley, of Exeter University medical school, said: “Long Covid is an invisible condition, and many people are left trying to manage significant changes to how they can function. “Shockingly, our research has revealed that Long Covid can leave people with worse fatigue and quality of life than some cancers, yet the support and understanding is not at the same level. We urgently need more research to enable the development of evidence-based services to support people trying to manage this debilitating new condition.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 8 June 2023 -
Content ArticleThis study from Walker et al. describes self-reported characteristics and symptoms of treatment-seeking patients with Long Covid and assesses the impact of symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients’ ability to work and undertake activities of daily living. It found that a high proportion were of working age with over half reporting moderately severe or worse functional limitation. There were substantial impacts on ability to work and activities of daily living in people with Long Covid. Clinical care and rehabilitation should address the management of fatigue as the dominant symptom explaining variation in functionality.
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Content ArticleThe 'Living with Long Covid' podcast series from Julie Taylor aims to raise awareness of Long Covid, and provide a platform of support, education and the lived experience.
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News Article
An exercise trial for Long Covid is being criticised by some patients
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A proposed exercise trial for Long Covid is being criticised by some of the patients the government-funded researchers want to study. The trial is part of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) initiative, funded by the US government for $1.15 billion over four years. It aims to study Long Covid and help find treatments for the millions of people experiencing a range of long-lasting symptoms, including extreme fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath. The exercise study protocol has not been finalised, but it will test physical therapy at different intensity levels, tailored to the patient’s capabilities, and aim to improve endurance, said Adrian Hernandez, executive director of Duke Clinical Research Institute. Some Long Covid advocates, however, say that any exercise trial could be potentially dangerous for long-covid patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Studies show that people with ME/CFS don’t have the same response to physical exertion as healthy individuals, and many ME/CFS patients report a worsening of symptoms after even small amounts of activity. This crash is called post-exertional malaise. Advocates now worry that Long Covid patients with ME/CFS could be similarly harmed if they take part in any exercise study. Read full story (paywalled) Source: Washington Post, 22 May 2023 Further reading on the hub: Understanding Covid-19 as a vascular disease and its implications for exercise -
Content Article
The hardest question
Patient_Safety_Learning posted an article in Blogs
‘Mum… Do you think if I had a wheelchair, I could go into school sometime? Just for a while?’ There have been many lows since my son, Tarka, got Covid in January 2022 but that moment, 2 nights ago, was the moment that broke my heart. In this blog, Susanna Stanford talks about how Long Covid has left her 15 year old son incapacitated at times, with continued and worsening symptoms affecting his whole body as well as his ability to get on with his life. Susanna argues that the system is not set up to respond to either new symptoms or deterioration in Long Covid patients. -
Content ArticleThis podcast series from Julie Taylor aims to raise awareness of Long Covid, provide a platform of support, education and the lived experience. Julie is a registered nurse in the UK and became unwell with Covid in May 2020 while working on the frontline, during the first wave of the pandemic. She now lives with Long Covid and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). In this podcast series, Julie shares her journey and lived experience, the symptoms and how each impacts daily life, not only the physical issues but also the impact this has had mentally and emotionally.
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News Article
Social Beats networking platform supports people with Long Covid
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Social Beats, a networking platform for those living with Long Covid, has been launched by free social community service Biocomm, allowing people to exchange health information from trusted sources, share experiences and interact with other people with Long Covid. The goal of the platform is to help connect those living with Long Covid so that they can receive and provide emotional and social support to others in the same position. The platform is the brainchild of BiocommAI and is sponsored by InnoMedica and Normax Biomed. Peter Jensen, CEO and chairman of Normax, said: “Community is key for anyone dealing with an illness or long-term condition. Biocomm.net is a safe space for people affected by Long Covid – a platform designed to help people living with the condition to connect with others and to build a better life. “We have recognised that Long Covid has impacted people in many ways and now is the time to help them by enabling them to connect, learn and share knowledge.” Read full story Source: Digital Health, 22 May 2023 -
News Article
Sick and tired: Australia's Long Covid inquiry report released
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A national Long Covid and Covid-19 database is among the key recommendations of a unanimous report released by an Australian parliamentary Committee for its inquiry into Long Covid and repeated Covid infections. The House of Representative’s Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport’s report aims to improve Australia’s response to Long Covid, an often-debilitating condition possibly affecting hundreds of thousands of Australians. The Chair of the Committee, Dr Mike Freelander MP said: ‘It is clear that the emergence of Long Covid has created challenges for patients and health care professionals alike. People with Long Covid suffer from a lack of information and treatment options. Health care professionals, who worked tirelessly over the acute phase of the pandemic, are now in a difficult situation trying to support patients with this new and poorly understood condition.’ The Committee made nine unanimous recommendations aimed at strengthening the Australian Government’s management of Long Covid, including regarding: A definition of long COVID for use in Australia Evidence-based living guidelines for long COVID, co-designed with patients with lived experience A nationally coordinated research program for long COVID and COVID-19 The COVID-19 vaccination communication strategy Access to antiviral treatments for COVID-19 Support for primary healthcare providers Indoor air quality and ventilation. Read full story Source: Parliament of Australia, 24 April 2023 -
Content ArticleThe COVID-19 Recovery Committee has published its report on Long Covid and post-Covid syndrome, urging the Scottish Government to take action to address the stigma surrounding the condition and improve awareness among the public and healthcare professionals. The inquiry focussed on the awareness and recognition, therapy and rehabilitation, and study and research linked to Long Covid, with the Committee noting “concern” in their findings over reports of patients being unable to get the correct diagnosis and the lack of treatment for common conditions associated with the condition. The Committee said it was “deeply saddened” to learn about the stigma faced by those with lived and living experience of Long Covid, and the report highlights the impact that the lack of awareness and recognition of Long Covid can have on those with the condition.
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Content ArticleIn this blog, published by the World Health Organization, we hear about one family's experience of long Covid. Claire Hastie and her children are yet to recover and continue to experience numerous debilitating symptoms that prevent them from taking part in their pre-covid occupations. WHO/Europe has also been working with patient groups to define priority areas where action is needed. It is now calling upon governments and authorities to focus attention on long COVID and its sufferers through greater: recognition: all services must be adequately equipped, and no patient should be left alone or have to struggle to navigate through a system that is not prepared to, or not capable of, recognizing this very debilitating condition; research and reporting: data gathering and reporting of cases, and well-coordinated research with full participation of patients, are needed to advance understanding of the prevalence, causes and costs of long COVID; and rehabilitation: this cost-effective intervention is an investment in building back healthy and productive societies.
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Content ArticleBefore she got Covid-19 in October 2021, Professor Kerstin Sailer, who is 46 and from London, had a busy life as an academic and a mum of two daughters. This article tells Kerstin's story of living with Long Covid and its debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, heart palpitations and chest pain. She describes the 'boom and bust' nature of her symptoms and the impact that this has had on her work and personal life. She also talks about the support she received from a Long Covid clinic and how this has helped deal with some of her symptoms.
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Content ArticleThere has been increasing public concern that COVID-19 vaccination causes menstrual disturbance regarding the relative effect of vaccination compared to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The objectives of this study, published in Science Direct, were to test potential risk factors for reporting menstrual cycle changes following COVID-19 vaccination and to compare menstrual parameters following COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 disease.
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Content Article
WHO: Post COVID-19 condition (Long Covid)
Sam posted an article in Patient recovery
Factsheet on Long Covid from the World Health Organization. -
Content ArticleIn this guest post, Michael A. Osborne, Professor of Machine Learning at Oxford's Department of Engineering Science looks at how the medical community is failing to explore the links between Long Covid and ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). He describes the symptoms common to both conditions and highlights the historic lack of funding and attention ME/CFS research and treatment has received.
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News Article
Two-thirds of UK workers with Long Covid have faced unfair treatment, says report
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
UK ministers should act to ensure Long Covid sufferers receive the support they need from employers, with as many as two-thirds claiming they have been unfairly treated at work, a report argues. The report, from the TUC and the charity Long Covid Support, warns that failing to accommodate the 2m people who, according to ONS data, may be suffering from long Covid in the UK will create, “new, long-lasting inequalities”. The analysis is based on responses from more than 3,000 long Covid sufferers who agreed to share their experiences. Two-thirds said they had experienced some form of unfair treatment at work, ranging from harassment to being disbelieved about their symptoms or threatened with disciplinary action. One in seven said they had lost their job. The report makes a series of recommendations, including urging the government to designate Long Covid as a disability for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act, to make clear sufferers are entitled to “reasonable adjustments” at work; and to classify Covid-19 as an occupational disease to allow people who contracted it through their job to seek compensation. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 27 March 2023 -
Content ArticleThe Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact heavily on all our lives and one of the long-lasting, but unanticipated, impacts is the emergence of Long Covid. Whilst many people infected by Covid-19 may fully recover, significant numbers will experience varied, ongoing and debilitating symptoms that last weeks, months or years following the initial infection. This prolonged condition has been given the umbrella term Long Covid. Recognition of Long Covid was accelerated by people-led advocacy groups such Long Covid Support. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported that, as of 1 August 2021, 970,000 people in the UK were experiencing self-reported Long Covid. The most recent data from 2 January 2023, shows that this has increased to 2 million people This report summarises the findings of a self-selecting survey of 3,097 people with Long Covid in September and October 2022 on their experiences of work.
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Content ArticleIn this study, Tsampasian et al. looked at what the risk factors were for developing post−COVID-19 condition (also known as Long Covid). The systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 studies, including 860 783 patients, found that female sex, older age, higher body mass index, smoking, preexisting comorbidities, and previous hospitalisation or ICU admission were risk factors significantly associated with developing Long Covid, and that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with two doses was associated with lower risk of Long Covid. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis provide a profile of the characteristics associated with increased risk of developing Long Covid and suggest that vaccination may be protective against Long Covid.
