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EventuntilThis Westminster conference will assess priorities and next steps for addressing the impact of Long Covid in Ireland. Areas for discussion include developing and implementing research into Long Covid, the state of specialised services in Ireland, and the implementation and development of the Model of Care, which recommended the development of eight post-acute and six Long Covid clinics. It will be a timely opportunity to discuss Ireland’s strategy for tackling long COVID following analysis from Denis Naughten TD - who is part-chairing this conference - which suggests that almost 340,000 people in Ireland could have been affected by long COVID. It also follows a motion forwarded by a regional group of TDs calling for swifter action to support those with long COVID, which secured unanimous Dáil Éireann support. With the HSE now implementing the Model of Care for long COVID, and developing an epidemiological survey to gauge long COVID numbers in Ireland, delegates will assess the development of the model, workforce and recruitment priorities, and next steps for research and data. It will include keynote sessions from Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist & National Clinical Director, Integrated Care, HSE; and Professor John Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Genitourinary Medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Associate Professor, UCD School of Medicine. Overall, sessions in the agenda will look at: the interim model of care: priorities for development and for creating a centralised care hub to provide support. long COVID clinics: next steps for implementation - providing effective staffing and funding - tackling long COVID backlogs and waiting lists - relieving pressures on GP waiting lists. patients: assessing and providing the support needed by those with long COVID and identifying those most at risk - options for workplace support and assisting those out of work to return quickly. research: building on data from current long COVID and post-acute COVID clinics to inform future strategies - implementing effective surveillance to understand, scale and respond to the issues. policy coordination: integrating responses with Sláintecare reforms and waiting list strategies. Register
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News Article
The puzzle of UK’s half a million missing workers
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
For the first time, more than 2.5 million people in the UK are out of work because of a long-term health problem. The number has jumped by half a million since the start of the pandemic - but, BBC News analysis reveals, the impact is spread unevenly across the country, with some regions and types of job far more affected. For Mary Starling, there are good days and bad days. The 61-year-old is on strong painkillers, for arthritis. She needs a knee replacement - but that could mean another 18 months on an NHS waiting list. Mary is keen to return to that work - but needs her operation first. "I feel despair - but I'm resigned to it," she says. "I understand it isn't possible to magic up something, though it's wearing not being able to plan my life." The UK is in its fourth year of sharply rising chronic illness. The highest rates are among 50- to 64-year-olds, but there have also been significant increases in some younger groups. Although the link is not conclusive, the Bank of England has said record NHS waiting lists are likely to be playing a "significant role". Some of the largest increases are in people reporting mobility difficulties, such as leg and back problems, or heart and blood-pressure problems. More younger people, in particular, say they are not in work because of different forms of mental illness. But the largest increase in long-term sickness is in the catch-all "other health problems" category, likely to include some of those with "long Covid" symptoms. Read full story Source: BBC News, 23 November 2022 -
Content Article
Covid Airborne Protection Alliance Latest News
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Covid Airborne Protection Alliance – formerly the AGP Alliance – (Chaired by BAPEN's Dr Barry Jones) is calling on Governments and health services in all four nations of the UK to review and update its guidance regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for all health and social care staff as a matter of urgency. Stay up to date with their latest news. -
News Article
Long Covid: What's changed, and what we know now
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
More than two million people in the UK say they have symptoms of Long Covid, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey. Many long Covid patients now report Omicron was their first infection. But almost three years into the pandemic there is still a struggle to be seen by specialist clinics, which are hampered by a lack of resources and research. So has the condition changed at all, and have treatments started to progress? NICE defines Llong Covid, or post-Covid syndrome, as symptoms during or after infection that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. An estimated 1.2m of those who answered the ONS survey reported at least one such symptom continuing for more than 12 weeks - health issues that they didn't think could be explained by anything else. It's easy to assume that new cases of long Covid have significantly decreased, given recent research suggesting the risk of developing long Covid from the Omicron variant is lower. However, the sheer scale of cases over the past year has resulted in more than a third of people with long Covid acquiring it during the Omicron wave, according to the ONS. Patients are usually referred to post-Covid assessment clinics after experiencing symptoms for 12 weeks - however, waiting times have not improved much within the past year. The latest NHS England figures show 33% of Londoners given an initial assessment had to wait 15 weeks or more from the time of their referral, compared to 39% from a similar period in 2021. The British Medical Association (BMA) has called on the government to increase funding for Long Covid clinics to deal with ever-increasing patient numbers. The BMA says that NHS England's 2022 strategy set out in July failed to announce any new funding. Read full story Source: BBC News, 18 November 2022 -
Content Article
Long Covid by Geraint Jones
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Patient recovery
Geraint Jones, a healthcare worker at a hospital in Wales, shares his experiences of Long Covid. Geraint tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2020, whilst working on the COVID-positive wards in a district general hospital. This long-lasting illness is still little understood, but new research is uncovering some of the recurring symptoms that many patients experience and suggesting better options for treatment for adults and children. -
News Article
Children at similar risk for Long Covid as adults, study suggests
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A large study today from Germany shows that children and adolescents are at the same relative risk of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms 90 days or more after acute infection as adults are, according to findings in PLOS Medicine. Though kids and adolescents have far fewer deaths or severe outcomes from COVID-19 infections compared to adults, little is known about Long or post-Covid symptoms in this age-group, or symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after acute infection. Researchers from the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, used data from half of the German population to determine that kids and adults have the same relative risk of experiencing post-Covid symptoms at 90 days following infection. Martin Roessler, the lead author of the study, said there were significant symptom overlap among kids and adults who experienced symptoms 90 days or more after acute infection. "We found 5 identical outcomes among the 10 outcomes with the highest relative risk among children/adolescents and adults. These symptoms are cough, fever, headache, malaise/fatigue/exhaustion, throat or chest pain," he told CIDRAP News. Other symptoms were more commonly seen in adults, but not kids. Those included a loss of taste or smell, fever, and shortness of breath. Daniel Blatt, MD, a pediatric infectious disease physician at the post-COVID clinic at Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, said he was not surprised by the study's findings. "It's unclear if Long Covid is the same in children and adults, in terms of pathophysiology, but it's just as real," he said. Blatt, who was not involved in the study, said his clinic also collects data on children and Long Covid. He said the most common symptoms reported in his patients are fatigue, anxiety, and "brain fog," followed by some shortness of breath or muscle pain. "The good news is kids tend to get better, regardless of what intervention is needed," Blatt said. As in adult Long Covid, there's no one-size-fits-all approach for pediatric Long Covid patients. "Some need reassurance; some need a graduated exercise program." Read full story Source: CIDRAP, 10 November 2022 -
Content ArticleLong-term health sequelae of COVID-19 are a major public health concern. However, evidence on Long Covid is still limited, particularly for children and adolescents. Using comprehensive healthcare data on approximately 46% of the German population, Roesller et al. investigated post-COVID-19-associated morbidity in children/adolescents and adults.
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Content ArticleThis long read article, published by the Guardian, looks at the data captured on long covid so far, including risk factors and impact of vaccination. It comments on the uncertainties and challenges that remain for patients, healthcare providers, researchers and resources.
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Content ArticleThe aim of this study was to measure the impact of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) on quality of life, mental health, ability to work and return to baseline health in an Irish cohort. It found that patients with PASC reported prolonged, multi-system symptoms which can significantly impact quality of life, affect ability to work and cause significant disability. Dedicated multidisciplinary, cross specialty supports are required to improve outcomes of this patient group.
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Content ArticleIn this article, published by the Guardian, experts from around the world share their insights, questions and fears around long Covid and their thoughts for the future.
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News Article
Long Covid impact in Ireland highlighted in report
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Almost 90% of those living with Long Covid in Ireland have not returned to their pre-Covid level of health, according to a new report. The study of 988 participants was carried out by APC Microbiome Ireland, a research centre based at University College Cork (UCC), in conjunction with Cork University Hospital and Long Covid Advocacy Ireland. It found that more than two-thirds of participants in the study continued to experience fatigue, memory problems, chest pain, stomach upset, and muscle pain. Those surveyed also reported that they were suffering from new symptoms that had not been present before catching Covid. These included tinnitus (38%), mouth ulcers (28%), new allergies (16%) and sexual dysfunction (13%). They said these prolonged symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, affect their ability to work and cause significant disability. Read full story Source: BBC News, 7 November 2022 Further reading and resources can be found in our dedicated area of the hub on Long Covid. -
Content Article
Blog - Long Covid: A catalogue of shame (2 November 2022)
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Blogs
In this blog, Roger Kline, Research Fellow at Middlesex University Business School, highlights the lack of support from the Government and NHS that healthcare staff with Long Covid face. He looks at the impact of the Government’s decision to scrap extended sick pay for NHS staff with Long Covid and argues that healthcare workers deserve better support. The blog includes accounts from 31 NHS nurses and midwives with Long Covid; some are having to use annual leave as they cannot work their full hours and some have been threatened with redundancy. Others describe their experiences of phased return to work and applying for the NHS Injury Allowance or ill health early retirement. -
Content Article
Understanding Covid-19 as a vascular disease and its implications for exercise
Anonymous posted an article in Blogs
This anonymous blog by a doctor examines the link between Covid-19 and cardiovascular disease. The author calls for greater awareness amongst healthcare professionals and the public to reduce the risk of patients experiencing cardiovascular problems during and after Covid-19 infection.- Posted
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Content ArticleEmer Joyce is a Cardiologist at Mater University Hospital in Dublin who developed myocarditis as a result of a Covid-19 infection. This article by Professor Joyce in the European Journal of Heart Failure aims to "give a birds-eye view of the physician as patient, the sub-specialist as sub-specialist condition sufferer, the one on the far side of the bed as the one in the bed." She also looks at the pattern of previously healthy, highly active healthcare professionals developing serious long-term health issues as a result of Covid-19.
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EventThis Westminster conference will discuss the future for Long Covid research, services, and care. It will be an opportunity to assess Long Covid: the NHS plan for improving Long Covid services and how its ambitions for improving access to services, patient experience and outcomes for patients can be achieved. Further sessions examine priorities for research and improving understanding of Long Covid, looking at implementing the latest developments in research to improve services, and the long-term health implications of Long Covid. There will also be discussion on addressing concerns around inequalities, capacity and wait times for Long Covid services, as well as the primary care referral system, and utilisation of investment. Sessions in the agenda include: latest developments: trends - key issues - assessing the NHS plan for improving long COVID services. clinical research: taking forward the understanding of Long Covid - advancing clinical trials - utilising data - funding and investment. improving patient outcomes, prediction and prevention - accelerating the development of effective treatments - areas for focus, such as cardiology. examining the increased risk of long-term health conditions and impacts of reinfection for Long Covid patients. improving specialist Long Covid services: progress made so far and priorities for moving forward. options for increasing capacity - addressing inequalities in provision, access to services and information - applying latest developments from research. children’s Long Covid services: assessing delivery - implications for child development and attainment. primary care: tackling key challenges for diagnosis and referral. the workforce: priorities for education and training - support for long COVID patients in the workforce. Register
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Content Article
APPG Coronavirus evidence session: Long Covid
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Patient recovery
Recording of the recent All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)Coronavirus evidence session on Long Covid. -
News Article
Long Covid: ‘fraction’ of patients getting NHS help in England
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Just a “fraction” of people with Long Covid is getting the help they need, with a third of them waiting more than three and a half months to be assessed after a GP referral, rising to almost half in some areas. More than 60,000 people in England had a first assessment for post-Covid syndrome in an NHS specialist service between July 2021 and August 2022. But the latest estimates released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that about 277,000 people with Long Covid in England report that the disease has limited their day-to-day activities “a lot”. These are the people that experts would expect to be referred for an assessment; however, the numbers who have been seen are far lower. Dr Helen Salisbury, a GP and columnist for the BMJ, said: “A fraction of the people who have got this problem are actually being seen” within the existing services. She said reasons could include patients not realising that the help is available to them; GPs not recognising Long Covid in those who do not self-label as having the condition; and a lack of knowledge of, and local access to, specialised clinics. While Salisbury conceded that there was no current cure for long Covid, she added that patients require treatment that involves symptom management, psychology and knowing they are not alone in their diagnosis. Ondine Sherwood, a co-founder of the advocacy charity Long Covid SOS, said many people with long Covid “are struggling to get any healthcare. Many are not getting any treatment at all.” She said public misconceptions around long Covid made it harder for sufferers to ask for and get help. “There was a lack of preparedness for the potential long-term morbidity which was not conveyed to healthcare professionals and this has contributed to the lack of care for long Covid.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 27 October 2022 -
Content ArticleHealthcare professionals share their experiences of Long Covid with the Guardian.
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Content ArticleMany are still reporting minimisation of their Long Covid symptoms – and it’s partially attributable to the fact that female patients are routinely dismissed. Five women share their experiences.
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Content ArticleDr Anthony Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, has warned against prematurely declaring victory over the pandemic, not only due to short-term needs but because long Covid represents an “insidious” public health emergency for millions of people. In an interview with the Guardian, Fauci urged US Congress to avoid complacency and resume funding to combat the virus as well as Long Covid, a chronic and prolonged illness that continues to elude scientists and healthcare providers.
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Content ArticleLong Covid is now estimated to affect 2 million people in the UK, and almost 145 million globally. It’s a complicated diagnosis to receive and those affected have to cope with both the physical symptoms and the psychological strain of having an illness that is not yet well understood and does not have well-established treatments. Three Long Covid patients share with the Guardian on how they navigated this journey.
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Content ArticleThis article in The Atlantic by Adam Gaffney, a doctor who works in both primary and secondary care, looks at the difficulty of defining and estimating the number of people living with Long Covid. The condition presents in a variety of different ways in people who were hospitalised with Covid-19, as well as people who had mild illness. He argues that incomplete and limited perspectives on what Long Covid is or isn’t, limits people's understanding of who is suffering and why, and of what we can do to improve the lives of people with the condition. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved in varied presentations of Long Covid.
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Content ArticleThe impact of Long Covid needs urgent action – and there are five key elements to drive the effort forward, writes the WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in this article for the Guardian.
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News ArticleLong Covid clinics across Australia are being inundated with requests for assessments from patients struggling with ongoing symptoms, an inquiry has heard. Doctors told the federal parliamentary inquiry into long and repeated coronavirus infections that they were struggling to keep up with demand as waitlists increased. At least 10 million Australians have been infected with Covid and it is estimated 3-5% will develop Long Covid at some point. “Our waitlist is increasing because what we’ve observed is that it can take some time for the recognition of post-Covid conditions, particularly with the fatigue-predominant types, to reach us,” Royal Children’s hospital Associate Prof Shidan Tosif told the inquiry on Wednesday. Patients are usually referred to specialist clinics through a GP and while there is no official cure, symptoms can sometimes be treated on a case-by-case basis. The inquiry by the House of Representatives health committee is investigating the economic, social, educational and health impacts of long Covid and repeat infections. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 12 October 2022
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News Article
WHO chief urges immediate action to tackle ‘devastating’ Long Covid
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Long Covid is “devastating” the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of people, and wreaking havoc on health systems and economies, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned as he urged countries to launch “immediate” and “sustained” efforts to tackle the “very serious” crisis. The world has never been in a better position to end the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is also “very clear” that many of those infected by the virus, which first emerged in China in late 2019, are still experiencing “prolonged suffering”, the WHO director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said. With the absence of evidence about how best to treat it, Long Covid is turning people’s lives upside down, and many face “often lengthy” and “frustrating” waits for support or guidance, Tedros said. The large numbers of those cruelly affected by the long tail of Covid is also having a dangerous impact on health systems and economies still reeling from waves of infections. “While the pandemic has changed dramatically due to the introduction of many lifesaving tools, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, the impact of long Covid for all countries is very serious and needs immediate and sustained action equivalent to its scale,” Tedros said, writing for the Guardian. Countries must now “seriously ramp up” both research into the condition and access to care for those affected if they are to “minimise the suffering” of their populations and protect their health systems and workforces. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 12 October 2022
