What barriers do patients with Post-COVID syndrome experience?
Ellen Roukema is a physician in training to become a specialist in insurance medicine. As part of her training, she conducted research into the limitations that patients with Post-COVID syndrome experience in their functioning. This research was made possible by C-support and UWV. The preliminary results of the research are shared below.
Why this research?
Some patients who have had a COVID-19 infection experience long-term complaints. If these complaints persist after 3 months and cannot be explained by another disease, this is called Post-COVID syndrome. Some of these patients experience problems at work.
The aim of this study is to gain more insight into the resilience of patients with Post-COVID syndrome. This study can help insurance physicians with their assessments. Into the limitations of patients, the (im)possibilities to work, and for example the application for a WIA benefit.
Who participated in this study?
For this study, 300 patients known to C-support were invited to complete a digital questionnaire. At the time of invitation, these patients had had a COVID-19 infection more than a year ago, were between 18-66 years old and were employed or looking for work before they became infected. 156 questionnaires were fully completed (period 13-05-2022 to 01-06-2022).
Key preliminary results
Demographic data
- Of the 156 patients, 78% are women.
- 57% have a higher professional or university education.
- The average age is 47,4 years.
- The average Body Mass Index (BMI) is 26,8.
- 56,4% of patients have a BMI >25.
- 47,4% have one or more other long-term illnesses in addition to long-term complaints after COVID-19. Asthma (10,2%), osteoarthritis (9,0%), hypertension (8,3%) and depression or anxiety disorder (7,1%) are mentioned most often.
- Of the participants, 41% work in healthcare and 14% in education.
- Almost 93% are partly or fully employed.
Characteristics of the research population
Experienced barriers
The most frequently mentioned physical limitations are climbing stairs, lifting/carrying, working overhead and walking. The most frequently mentioned mental limitations are dealing with crowds/noise, dealing with time pressure, concentrating, dealing with little structure and dealing with conflicts. Mental limitations were mentioned more often and to a greater extent than the physical limitations.
Overweight
Overweight patients (BMI>25) reported experiencing more physical disabilities than non-overweight patients (BMI<25). No significant difference was seen between these groups in terms of mental disabilities.
- In addition to the long-term complaints resulting from COVID-19, some patients also suffer from one or more other long-term illnesses.
- These patients reported experiencing more physical and mental disabilities than patients who had no other long-term illnesses.
- The factors age, gender, education level and time since infection showed no significant differences in perceived barriers.
Operate
- Of the patients, 46,2% have reduced their working hours due to long-term complaints after COVID-19.
- 38,5% indicated that they had stopped completely due to their persistent complaints.
- In 137 patients, the number of working hours decreased from an average of 31,5 hours per week to an average of 12,5 hours per week.
Social roles
- A significant decrease was found in the number of hours patients spend per day on various roles. These roles are: work, volunteer work, study, sports, hobbies, social activities, informal care and education.
- The total number of hours spent on these roles decreased from an average of 68,0 hours per week to 28,7 hours per week.
- 83% of patients have daytime bed rest, usually one to one and a half hours per day.
Conclusion
Both mental and physical limitations in functioning are often mentioned. The majority of patients also indicate that they rest during the day. Patients spend significantly fewer hours per week on work and other social roles. A recommendation for insurance physicians is to pay attention to these aspects during the interview for the assessment for the WIA.
Acknowledgements and contact
Patients who participated in the study are once again thanked for their contribution. If you have any questions about these preliminary results, please contact the Education and Research department of C-support via Onderwijsenonderzoek@c-support.nu
