Post-acute COVID-19 complications in UK doctors: results of a cross-sectional survey 2023 Bland et al

Abstract

Background
As a consequence of their occupation, doctors and other healthcare workers were at higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more likely to experience severe disease compared to the general population. However, systematic information on post-acute COVID complications in doctors is very limited.

Aims
This study aimed to determine the symptoms, perceived determinants, health and occupational impact, and consequent needs relating to post-acute COVID complications in UK doctors.

Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to UK doctors self-identifying as having Long COVID or other post-acute COVID complications.

Results
Of 795 responses, 603 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being a UK-based medical doctor experiencing one or more post-acute COVID complications. Twenty-eight per cent reported a lack of adequate Respiratory Protective Equipment at the time of contracting COVID-19. Eighteen per cent of eligible respondents reported that they had been unable to return to work since acquiring COVID.

Conclusions
Post-acute COVID (Long COVID) in UK doctors is a substantial burden for respondents to our questionnaire. The results indicated that insufficient respiratory protection could have contributed to occupational disease, with COVID-19 being contracted in the workplace, and resultant post-COVID complications. Although it may be too late to address the perceived determinants of inadequate protection for those already suffering with Long COVID, more investment is needed in rehabilitation and support of those afflicted.

Paywall, https://academic.oup.com/occmed/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/occmed/kqad120/7468904

 

Not quite serious enough to argue for treatment and support, though.

Ah, afflicted. A slippery word that somehow seems to get attached to some conditions but not others. Then again, maybe I'm just a cynic.

 

Probably CBT and GET. Although if this does happen there will be attempts to disguise things with name changes, in much the same way as was done with hysteria, conversion disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and FND.

 

Visiting CBT and GET upon physicians with LC, could be instructional, and possibly change the view of some about these therapies for people who experience PEM after mental, physical, or emotional exertion.