In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers used survey data from the Patient Reported Outcomes Survey (PROMIS-10) completed by participants in the My COVID Diary (MCD) trial and their report submissions. and described the experiences of patients with acute sequelae. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or long-term coronavirus disease.
study: Integrating patient-reported physical, mental, and social effects to categorize the long-term experience of COVID-19. Image credit: Starocean/Shutterstock.com
background
Patient experiences have been used to study long-term coronavirus infections, a condition characterized by long-lasting mental and physical symptoms.
Despite important research, the focus on medical records may ignore the social impacts of the pandemic, such as family relationships, work-life balance, and financial stability. The social, psychological, and physical experiences of long-term COVID-19 infections are still poorly understood.
About research
In this observational cross-sectional study, researchers provide a complete picture of the post-acute coronavirus disease (COVID-19) sequelae experience, including social, psychological, and physical symptoms, and could help health systems provide customized long-term treatment to accelerate patient recovery.
The team selected 634 individuals from the MCD trial who enrolled in the My COVID Diary project and reported poor health status (PROMIS-10 score < 3.0) at 6 months of age.
All individuals were 18 years of age or older, had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and were between 20 and 28 weeks after initial infection. Submitted one or more diaries. The onset of symptoms was confirmed, and symptoms of the new coronavirus infection persisting 5 to 6 months after the start of the study.
PROMIS-10 and participants’ narrative data were utilized to describe and categorize their experiences with COVID-19 over time. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to characterize and understand the different types of expanded coronavirus experiences. Diary entries were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.
This method was built on two basic principles. That is, the long-standing knowledge of the novel coronavirus is multidimensional, including social, psychological, and physical impact areas, and is firmly based on patient voices.
Twistle data collection prompts were sent to MCD participants on a regular basis (every other day for the first 14 days, weekly from week 3.0 to week 13, and monthly thereafter).
Twistle alerts participants at each point to collect formal, validated surveys and encourages individuals to record their experiences and symptoms. Participants used Her Twistle to submit survey responses and free-text diary entries, and the information was then stored for analysis.
result
The study included 51 participants, of whom 58% were Caucasian and 68% female. For SARS-CoV-2 infection, 52% reported being hospitalized or visiting the emergency department. The mean PROMIS-10 mental and physical T-scores were 41 and 40, respectively, indicating worse functional health than the general population.
Initial mental and physical global t-scores were 44 and 42, respectively, 1 to 4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a slight decline in overall health at 6 months. It has been shown.
Researchers classified long-term experiences with coronavirus into four categories: lingering problems (107 people, 17%), significant physical symptoms (113 people, 18%), and ongoing cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. physical difficulties (235 people, 36%), and complex challenges (179 people, 28%). Each category included social, mental, and physical health difficulties with varying levels of disability.
Patient descriptions further supported and explained these categories. After 5-6 months, further LCA analysis supported the pattern of response across the four groups, with no significant differences in physical and mental health outcomes.
Those with lingering problems reported being functionally healthy, but certain challenges delayed healing. They reported positive results in all components except emotional problems and mental health.
The most likely positive outcome was improved quality of life (88%), while the most likely negative outcome was emotional problems (50%). Pandemic restrictions have reduced social well-being and left some people feeling lonely. Despite the hardships, they lived their daily lives.
Those experiencing severe physical symptoms reported lasting effects that interfered with daily functioning and normal activities 5 to 6 months after infection. Questions about physical and general health had higher odds of a poor outcome, while emotional problems, mental health, and social satisfaction had lower odds.
They reported fatigue, mental health difficulties, brain fog, and cognitive problems. The support of my family and friends helped me overcome the obstacles.
Five to six months after infection, those with persistent cognitive and psychiatric impairment reported decreased physical symptoms but significant problems with social and daily functioning.
Their PROMIS-10 ratings indicated emotional problems such as poor mental health, decreased social satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and decreased motivation. Participating in social activities often creates tension, loneliness, and isolation. Some people find it difficult to resume training.
Those who faced a variety of disabilities reported dealing with physical, mental, and cognitive impairments that affected their quality of life. They performed poorly on all his PROMIS-10 components except for discomfort and fatigue.
They suffered from chronic physical fatigue, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, brain fog, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms caused fatigue, overload, and worry, which affected daily life.
conclusion
Based on research findings, patients with long-term COVID-19 infection face a complex set of social, psychological and physical challenges. These challenges come together in a variety of ways, but the most common is ongoing mental and cognitive conflict.
This study highlights the importance of an integrated ‘whole person’ approach to expanded coronavirus management, comprising multidisciplinary teams and a wide range of mental health and social care.
This study highlights the need to address specific health concerns such as social isolation and persistent physical and cognitive symptoms to improve patient identification and care.