BJGP Open. 2021 Mar 23:BJGPO.2021.0016. doi: 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0016. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: About 10-35% of people with COVID-19 merit medical care within three weeks of infection. However, the prevalence of ongoing care needs among those experiencing severe COVID-19 illness is unclear.
AIM: This pilot study aimed to address this knowledge gap by examining GP attendance trends among patients attending a post-COVID-19 hospital follow-up clinic, 3-6 months after an initial clinic visit.
DESIGN, AND SETTING: Data was collected from adult patients attending a post-COVID-19 follow-up clinic at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
METHOD: Participants completed questionnaires outlining their demographics, medical histories, emergency hospital admissions/re-admissions where applicable, and where relevant, GP attendances following hospital discharge. Analyses were conducted using descriptive/inferential statistics.
RESULTS: Participants’ (n=153) median age =43.5 (IQR =30.9-52.1 years). There were 105 females (68.6%, 95% CI=61.3%-75.9%). Various medical histories were reported among participants. 67 (43.2%, 95% CI=35.9%-51.6%) received emergency COVID-19 hospital care. Older adults, males, ICU admissions, and re-admissions were common among hospital attendees. Of the hospital attendees, 16 (24%, 95% CI=13.7%-34.2%) and 26 (39%, 95% CI=27.3%-50.7%) attended GPs within seven and 30 days of hospital discharge. Older adults, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and individuals admitted to ICU/readmitted to hospital were common among general practice attendees.
CONCLUSION: Persistent health issues appear to be common among severe COVID-19 patients, particularly those who are older adults, have pre-existing health problems, and had been in ICU and/or re-admission care. Larger scale studies of ongoing COVID-19 care needs in general practice/primary care are required.
PMID:33757962 | DOI:10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0016
