PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

STIMULATE-ICP-Delphi (Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long-COVID to Address and Transform Existing Integrated Care Pathways Delphi): Study protocol.

  • Christina M van der Feltz-Cornelis,
  • Jennifer Sweetman,
  • Gail Allsopp,
  • Emily Attree,
  • Michael G Crooks,
  • Daniel J Cuthbertson,
  • Denise Forshaw,
  • Mark Gabbay,
  • Angela Green,
  • Melissa Heightman,
  • Toby Hillman,
  • Lyth Hishmeh,
  • Kamlesh Khunti,
  • Gregory Y H Lip,
  • Paula Lorgelly,
  • Hugh Montgomery,
  • W David Strain,
  • Emma Wall,
  • Caroline Watkins,
  • Nefyn Williams,
  • Dan G Wootton,
  • Amitava Banerjee,
  • STIMULATE-ICP Consortium

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277936
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 11
p. e0277936

Abstract

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IntroductionAs mortality rates from COVID-19 disease fall, the high prevalence of long-term sequelae (Long COVID) is becoming increasingly widespread, challenging healthcare systems globally. Traditional pathways of care for Long Term Conditions (LTCs) have tended to be managed by disease-specific specialties, an approach that has been ineffective in delivering care for patients with multi-morbidity. The multi-system nature of Long COVID and its impact on physical and psychological health demands a more effective model of holistic, integrated care. The evolution of integrated care systems (ICSs) in the UK presents an important opportunity to explore areas of mutual benefit to LTC, multi-morbidity and Long COVID care. There may be benefits in comparing and contrasting ICPs for Long COVID with ICPs for other LTCs.Methods and analysisThis study aims to evaluate health services requirements for ICPs for Long COVID and their applicability to other LTCs including multi-morbidity and the overlap with medically not yet explained symptoms (MNYES). The study will follow a Delphi design and involve an expert panel of stakeholders including people with lived experience, as well as clinicians with expertise in Long COVID and other LTCs. Study processes will include expert panel and moderator panel meetings, surveys, and interviews. The Delphi process is part of the overall STIMULATE-ICP programme, aimed at improving integrated care for people with Long COVID.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this Delphi study has been obtained (Research Governance Board of the University of York) as have approvals for the other STIMULATE-ICP studies. Study outcomes are likely to inform policy for ICPs across LTCs. Results will be disseminated through scientific publication, conference presentation and communications with patients and stakeholders involved in care of other LTCs and Long COVID.RegistrationResearchregistry: https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/6246bfeeeaaed6001f08dadc/.