The Post-COVID Network Netherlands (PCNN) has developed a FTO module on post-COVID to provide general practitioners and pharmacists with more knowledge about this condition. The 2022 NHG standard is outdated and offers insufficient concrete guidance for the treatment of this relatively new condition.. The new insights and practical experiences that are missing are shared with this module. C-support, together with the IVM, has taken on the free guidance for the module. A wonderful and significant contribution to this form of knowledge sharing, with which we train these professionals very effectively.
What is an FTO?
In healthcare, FTO stands for Pharmacotherapy Consultation; a periodic meeting between general practitioners and pharmacists from the same region. Its aim is to improve the expertise, quality, and efficiency of medication use. An FTO group discusses themes relevant to the region for which further in-depth analysis is desired.
New FTO module on post-COVID
In 2025, the IVM, in collaboration with C-support, KNMP, Long Covid Nederland, and post-COVID expertise centers, developed a FTO module on post-COVID. This was done within the framework of the PCNN with funding from ZonMw. The FTO module is based on various sources, including the NHG Standard 'Long-term complaints after COVID-19' (2022) and the Post-COVID Knowledge Collection (update 2024). This module was updated again in 2026, partly due to the comprehensive guidance document from PCNN (2026).
The aim of the module is to provide general practitioners and pharmacists with more starting points to properly guide and treat post-COVID patients. The module includes various working methods that can be used to compile a program, such as an interactive knowledge test and a presentation covering a wide range of focus points and case studies. The module encourages dialogue between healthcare providers and complements existing training courses such as webinars. General practitioners indicate that they have insufficient knowledge of symptom clusters such as PEM, POTS, and MCAS; therefore, knowledge regarding these has been included. After a meeting:
- participants know what post-COVID is and what the likely causes are;
- participants recognize and acknowledge post-exertional malaise (PEM), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS);
- can provide participants with the correct treatment recommendations for PEM, MCAS, and POTS;
- participants are familiar with the advice regarding the treatment of other specific complaints or symptoms that may occur with post-COVID;
- the participants make agreements about the (medicinal) treatment of complaints/symptoms of post-COVID and the provision of information about this
- participants can apply the comprehensive post-COVID guidance in their daily practice
Free guidance from C-support or IVM
A FTO already offers practical tools, while the revision of the guidelines is still ongoing. FTO groups wishing to address the topic of post-COVID can receive free guidance from a C-support physician or an IVM pharmacist. The FTO can be conducted independently, but guidance saves preparation time and knowledge. Our experts assist with the preparations and facilitation of the meeting. The module offers a good starting point with tools for recognition and treatment. A facilitator can provide additional explanation and offer in-depth insights based on practical experiences, and address questions not covered in the module. They share additional insights not documented, can emphasize specific points, and ensure questions are answered directly.
The group's knowledge can vary widely: from barely known to already treating with off-label medication. In general, knowledge regarding treatment options and 'treatable traits' is limited, and many participants do not know where to find reliable information.
Participants appreciate the presence of someone with knowledge and experience in post-COVID. They find the meeting interesting and useful; it sparks curiosity and reduces hesitation to take action. And because they are often unfamiliar with PEM, POTS, and MCAS, they appreciate the explanation regarding these conditions.
In 2025 and 2026, 18 FTO groups have already been facilitated by our medical advisors and professionals from the IVM. There was a high demand for this, and funding has now been secured to facilitate another 30 FTO groups in 2026. This is a great collaboration within PCNN that C-support is undertaking with the IVM, and a now valued form of knowledge sharing to which participants respond enthusiastically: “The FTO gives me tools to better help patients with post-COVID.”
