The impact of long COVID on people living with pre-existing LTC v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experiences of adults living with multiple pre-existing long-term conditions and long COVID to understand their rehabilitation needs
IRAS ID
327830
Contact name
Lucy Gardiner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Almost half of people have ongoing symptoms following COVID-19 (such as fatigue and feeling short of breath) that may affect their day-to-day lives (long COVID). Research to date suggests that education and exercise-based rehabilitation may improve symptoms and quality of life for some people living with long COVID.
People living with two or more (multiple) pre-existing long-term conditions (LTC) (such as diabetes and asthma) are more likely to develop long COVID. But little is known about how long COVID impacts their health and well-being in particular and how best to support them.The aim of the research is to understand the impact of long COVID on people living with multiple pre-existing LTC and to identify their health and well-being needs.
A sample of people living with long COVID and multiple pre-existing LTC (or their supporter) in Leicestershire will be recruited via local NHS long COVID services. Participants (or their supporter) will be asked to take photographs of things they feel represent or symbolise the impact of long COVID on their day-to-day lives across seven days. They will then be invited to a face-to-face, online or telephone interview (as preferred) to talk about their experiences, and health and well-being needs. The photographs will be used during the interview to support the participant to ‘tell their story’, and the interviewer’s understanding of their experiences and needs. Interpreting and translation services will be used where needed. Face-to-face interviews will be held in a local community site, participants’ homes or university site as preferred by the participant.It is hoped that the findings of this research will provide greater understanding of the impact of long COVID on people living with multiple pre-existing LTC and their rehabilitation needs.
The research will be funded by the lead researcher’s Wellcome Trust doctoral fellowship grant.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1507
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion