Optimizing patient support
Q-support and C-support have developed a guideline for municipalities on post-infectious diseases. The guideline offers tools to adapt support options and the processes surrounding support applications within municipalities to make them more efficient and effective, leading to greater participation in society and better care for its residents. The guideline was developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and patients.
Why a guideline?
People with post-infectious conditions such as Q fever and post-COVID-19 often rely on their municipality for support. This includes applications for Social Support Act (Wmo) support to promote self-reliance and participation, applications for benefits or allowances due to a drop in income, childcare support, or informal caregiver support to ease the burden on the family. Various legislation offers a wide range of options. Yet, not all municipalities seem to be aware of these options, or they apply different principles to assess applications. This is often due to a lack of knowledge about these conditions, as well as the inflexible application of regulations.
Recognition and acknowledgement
Knowledge of post-infectious conditions and their impact on life is essential for supporting people. This improves their quality of life and allows them to continue to participate in society. The differences between patients are significant. As many as 200 symptoms have been described, and each patient experiences 15 to 19 different complaints, which can also vary over time. Some may struggle to continue working, while others may have to spend large parts of the day in bed. Knowledge of the clinical picture and trust in the patient's account are essential.
Custom Made
The guidance provides basic knowledge about Q fever and post-COVID-19 and highlights the options municipalities have to support these patients. It also suggests ways to improve the application process, which is often very burdensome and can lead to relapses. By listening to patients and offering tailored solutions through more flexible legislation and regulations, municipalities can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life and social participation of tens of thousands of people in the Netherlands.
Collaboration
The guidance was developed by Q-support and C-support in consultation with patients, municipal policy officers, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The guidance draws on the extensive experience of Q fever patients (11 years) and post-COVID patients (5 years), the experiences of Q-support and C-support aftercare advisors, the multi-year QVS database and Long COVID research conducted by Erasmus MC, commissioned by Q-support and C-support, and the Ombudsman's reports.
Presentation of guidelines to the Q fever ambassador
The guidelines were presented today by Sophie Querido, the new director of Q-support and C-support, to the Q fever ambassador recently appointed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Cathalijne Dortmans.
