Functional Ability, Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients With Post Covid-19 Condition

What is the Prognosis of Functional Ability, Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients That Are Treated in a University Hospital Because Symptoms of Post Covid-19 Condition

Up to 20% of patients with Covid-19 develop symptoms that last more than 3 months, which is known as long Covid or Post-Covid-19 condition. The mechanism of the long term symptoms is not totally understood although inflammation, autoimmune reactions and thromboembolism are among suspected contributors. At Helsinki University hospital, a long Covid clinic was opened in June 2021. The aim of this cohort study is to monitor the patients that attend the clinic, follow up their functional abilities, quality of life and prognosis.

The patients are asked to give their informed consent for the participation in the cohort study. They fill in a questionnaire before entering the clinic that assesses their symptoms, previous medical history, medications, lifestyle, symptoms, sleep, psychosocial measures including depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life.

The patients are asked to give blood samples that rule out other diseases that may cause the symptoms. At the clinic, they attend a physician's consultation with physical exam. Later, in another apppointment, a physicotherapist assesses their physicial functioning including 6 minutes walking test and grip strength. They also attend a psychologist who conducts short, 30 min neuro-cognitive testing.

Patients receive psychoeducation of the Post Covid-19 condition and individual, tailored support and rehabilitation. They are given the opportunity to take part in group counselling once a week during 6 weeks.

The patients are followed up by nurse telephone calls at 3, 6 and 12 months as well as by questionnaires via a secured website.

The main outcome measure in this study is functional ability as measured by WHODAS2.0.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosed Covid-19 infection at least 3 mo before entry (either PCR positive or antigen test positive or hospitalisation because of Covid-19)

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients for whom participation would be too exhausting, for example bed patients
• patients who cannot fill in the questionnaires in Finnish