Development of Surveillance and Health Care System among People are Living with Long COVID, a Case Study on Primary Care Unit, Kut Chum District, Yasothon

Abstract

Long COVID is a set of symptoms that occurs in people with COVID-19 infection. Thus, a surveillance and health care system for people living with long COVID is needed. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate of a surveillance and health care system for people living with long COVID in the primary care unit, Kut Chum District, Yasothon Province. This action research was conducted by using collaboration process with the 4-step PAOR concept which includd: (1) Planning, (2) Action, (3) Observing, and (4) Reflecting. The samples were 20 persons taking care for COVID-19 infected patients and 176 patients who received treatment during January to May 2022. The data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussion; and were analyzed by conducting a content analysis and summarizing the issues for the need to develop a surveillance model and participatory care. Descriptive data were analyzed by mean, percentage, and standard deviation. It was found that after implementing 2 cycles of the PDCAs, the patients who had severe symptoms were kept under surveillance by village health volunteers to provide support, refer and treatment with interprofessional team. Elderly people and patients with underlying diseases and had severe symptom or abnormal chest x-ray received home visits. Based on the review of the practice, a flowchart for surveillance people living with Long COVID was initiated leading to the improved practice in accordance the context and problems. It was also found that 92.45% of clients and 94.17% of health care professions were satisfied with the system. Thus, the surveillance and health care system for people at risk with long COVID based on participation continued to provide positive effects on daily life of people living with COVID-19.