A worldwide look into long COVID-19 management: an END-COVID survey

Abstract

<p>Background Long COVID is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterised by a variety of reported symptoms and signs. Its clinical management is expected to differ significantly worldwide. Methods A survey-based study investigating long COVID-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) has been conducted by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) END-COVID clinical research collaboration with the support of other international societies (ALAT, APSR, CHEST, ESCMID and PATS). A global analysis of the results is provided here, alongside sub-population analysis based on continents, national income levels, type of involved healthcare professional and inclusion or exclusion of paediatric patients. Findings 1015 healthcare professionals from 110 different countries worldwide participated in this study, the majority of them being respiratory physicians (60.6%). A dedicated long COVID programme was present in 55.4% of the investigated institutions, with hospital admission during the acute infection being the main inclusion criteria to access them. Consistent differences in long COVID-related procedures were identified among centres, mainly regarding the multidisciplinary approach, the availability of telemedicine and psychological support, the type of requested exams and the total amount of visits in the centre. Interpretation Long COVID management shows important differences related to geographical areas and national income levels. SOPs were significantly different when centres were managed by a pulmonologist or when paediatric patients were included.</p>