Caring for Long Covid-19 patients in primary health care: a twinning study between Malta and Belgium

Sarah Cuschieri, Sherihane Bensemmane, Robrecht De Schreye, Sarah Moreels

Keywords: COVID-19; Primary Health Care; Long COVID; Malta; Belgium

Background:

Some of the individuals surviving a Covid-19 infection continued to experience symptoms beyond the acute phase. Although its definition is still debatable, this phenomenon is labelled as ‘Long Covid’. Primary healthcare is at the forefront in caring for these individuals.

Research questions:

The study intends to gain insight on general practitioners (GPs) Long Covid knowledge, experiences, opinions and aims to identify the definition being used by GPs across two countries (Malta and Belgium)

Method:

An online literature-based questionnaire was built and validated by a panel of experts of the Belgian Sentinel General Practitioners network and Sciensano (Belgian national public health institute). The survey was distributed electronically to all practicing GPs in Belgium and Malta through established national GP networks. A mixed method approach will be utilized to compare the responses.

Results:

The results are expected to shed light on this emerging condition, the definitions used by GPs, while gaining insight on the knowledge, experiences, and opinions of GPs on Long Covid. The comparative analyses will establish whether there are differences in GPs approach towards Long Covid both at national and cross-country levels.

Conclusions:

This study will be beneficial for deeper understanding of Long Covid at a local and European level as well as aid policy makers in setting up country level health agendas.

Points for discussion:

Do GPs feel that they are equipped well in dealing with Long Covid-19 patients?

How are GPs caring for Long Covid-19 patients and their symptoms?

Do GPs feel that Long Covid might be considered a new chronic disease?

#40