Cognitive difficulties after COVID-19: Individual & family experiences
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study to explore the impact of the neuropsychological consequences of long COVID-19 on both individuals and relatives.
IRAS ID
306470
Contact name
Kirsty Muckle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
It is estimated that, in the UK, around one million people are living with symptoms of post-COVID syndrome, often described as ‘Long COVID’ (ONS, 2021). According to an international survey, the third most commonly reported symptom of Long COVID is cognitive dysfunction, affecting more than half (55%) of respondents (Davis et al., 2021). The proposed project will look at what the experience of living with cognitive dysfunction after COVID has been like; specifically, what the psychosocial impact of living with these difficulties has been on participants. The psychosocial impact of Long COVID is a newly emerging area, lacking in published research, and one that has been specifically identified as a priority for researchers (Carson & Long COVID forum group, 2021).
The overarching project is focussed on the psychosocial impact of cognitive difficulties after Long COVID. Within this, there are two aims; to explore the experience of living with cognitive consequences of Long COVID, and to explore the experience of supporting a relative with cognitive consequences of Long COVID. In order to achieve both of these aims, there will be two separate studies. Both will have very similar aims and objectives and utilise the same methodology. The difference between them is the participants; one study will be recruiting individuals with cognitive long COVID symptoms, and the other study will be recruiting relatives who are supporting individuals with cognitive symptoms of long COVID.
As the project is looking at what the participant’s experience has been like for them, the project will utilise qualitative research methods. There will be two stages to each study. In the first stage, participants will complete an online survey, where they answer one open-ended question about their experience and optional demographic questions. At this stage, participants will be asked whether they consent to be contacted for a follow up interview and, if so, to provide their contact details. The survey data will be analysed using Thematic Analysis (TA).
In the second stage of the study, participants will complete a semi-structured interview with the researcher. They will be asked six open-ended questions about their experience, with scope to ask follow up questions as needed. These will be routinely offered as a video call, but face-to-face interviews can be offered if needed and current COVID guidelines allow it. The interview data will be analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
The findings of each study will be written up into an empirical paper as part of the researcher’s PsychD programme, and disseminated as per the protocol policy.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0121
Date of REC Opinion
6 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion