Patient discussions

Your Organisational Guidance

ebpracticenet urges you to prioritise the following organisational guidance:

Opvolging en revalidatie van patiënten met aanhoudende klachten na COVID-19 in de eerste lijnPublished by: KU Leuven | Werkgroep Ontwikkeling Richtlijnen Eerste Lijn (Worel)Last published: 2023Suivi et revalidation des patients présentant des symptômes persistants après la COVID-19 en première lignePublished by: KU Leuven | Groupe de Travail Développement de recommmandations de première ligneLast published: 2023

​Self-management strategies are a key feature of the treatment approach for long COVID. Provide advice on self-management and what to do if patients need support with this or feel that their symptoms are worsening.[1]​ Such strategies focus on interventions for fatigue, breathlessness, and autonomic dysfunction, among others. Recommend patient resources, as appropriate to the individual patient’s needs. Examples include:

Recommend education and skills training on energy conservation techniques, if needed.[3]​ Consider the role of other sources of support and services (e.g., support groups, social care, housing, financial support, support with returning to work or exercise).

For patients with fatigue and activity intolerance, there may be assistance and accommodation that can be made to their daily or working lives, such as priority parking spaces or working remotely.

If required, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests using a return to work action plan with a prolonged and flexible phased return. The WHO states that environmental modifications at work may be needed based on an individualised workplace risk assessment of personal capabilities matched to work requirements.[3]

Discuss smoking cessation if the patient smokes and has anosmia or dysgeusia.[80]​ Educate patients with persistent loss of smell about home safety such as smoke and gas alarms.[88]

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