Patient-related outcomes in patients referred to a respiratory clinic with persisting symptoms following non-hospitalised COVID-19

Chron Respir Dis. 2022 Jan-Dec:19:14799731211069391. doi: 10.1177/14799731211069391.

Abstract

Survivors of COVID-19 can present with varied and persisting symptoms, regardless of hospitalisation. We describe the ongoing symptoms, quality of life and return to work status in a cohort of non-hospitalised COVID-19 survivors with persisting respiratory symptoms presenting to clinic, who consented and completed patient-reported outcome measures. We identified fatigue, reduced quality of life and dysregulated breathing alongside the breathlessness. Those with co-existent fatigue had worse mood and quality of life and were less likely to have returned to normal working arrangements compared to those without fatigue. For non-hospitalised people with persisting symptoms following COVID-19 referred to a respiratory assessment clinic, there was a need for a wider holistic assessment, including return to work strategies.

Keywords: COVID-19; PROMs; breathlessness; long-standing impacts; recovery; respiratory.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Survivors