IMGV for Long COVID

Pilot data supports virtual Integrative Medical Group Visits for people with Long COVID
Abstract
Background
Long COVID is a common, debilitating post-infectious illness following mild to severe COVID infections. Effective management of Long COVID is currently unknown. Shared Medical Appointments or Integrative Medical Group Visits (IMGV) are effective interventions for chronic conditions. Virtual IMGVs may improve management of Long COVID.
Objective
This single arm non-randomized study assessed the feasibility of patient-reported outcome measures to study a virtual IMGV for Long COVID. Data from IMGV for Long COVID participants will guide program development and contribute to the evidence base for management of Long COVID.
Methods
Surveys administered before and after the group intervention measured anxiety, perceived stress, fatigue, sleep quality, and patient-specific symptomatology among patients from a tertiary care COVID recovery clinic. Paired t-tests quantified change in self-reported measures.
Results
Fourteen patients with Long COVID completed the intervention and pre and post measures (78.6% female, 71.4% non-Hispanic White, mean age 48.9 years). Chief symptomatology was fatigue, shortness of breath and “brain fog.” Symptoms decreased in interference when compared to pre-intervention levels (mean difference -1.3 [95% CI-2.2, -0.5]). There was no change in self-reported unrefreshing sleep or overall wellness. Perceived stress scores decreased after the intervention compared to baseline (mean difference -3.4 [95% CI -5.8, -1.1]).
Conclusion
Patient-reported outcome measures of perceived stress and symptom interference improved post-intervention. Few effective interventions are currently available for this large and growing population facing debilitating symptoms. Larger studies are needed to explore the potential of Integrative Medical Group Visits to improve quality of life among people with Long COVID.