Advocating for Long COVID Rehabilitation Support in Manitoba: An Environmental Scan
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Date
2022-01-31
Authors
Thille, Patricia
Cooper, Juliette E.
Jansson, Ann
Leclair, Leanne
Parsons, Joanne
Webber, Sandra
Sanchez-Ramirez, Diana C.
Tittlemier, Brenda
Brown, Cara L.
Wener, Pamela
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Abstract
Many individuals (10-30%) experience persistent and/or new symptoms beyond the acute COVID-19 infection, which can present regardless of initial infection severity. Commonly referred to as “Long COVID” among public advocacy groups, this post-COVID condition affects multiple body systems and is thought to reflect persistent inflammation, thrombosis, and an autoimmune reaction. The most consistent complaints of Long COVID are fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pain and difficulty concentrating. Many with Long COVID experience loss of income, or struggle to fulfill family duties. Given that there have been over 117,000 PCR-test confirmed COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, it is likely that thousands of Manitobans are affected by Long COVID. Emerging international guidance recommends that policy makers address Long COVID through a multidisciplinary approach, including interprofessional rehabilitation services.
With this in mind, we conducted an environmental scan to support and make recommendations for Long COVID management in Manitoba. Our objectives were to 1) identify policy for management of Long COVID, 2) learn about the lived experiences and advocacy priorities of people with lived experiences of Long COVID, and 3) gather information on current Long COVID services in Manitoba. We conducted web searches in July-September 2021 for a) provincial/territorial government policies related to Long COVID, b) peer-reviewed evidence syntheses and original studies about Long COVID, and c) Long COVID public advocacy groups. We collected information on current, publicly-funded Long COVID rehabilitation services in Manitoba, by consulting with service providers, managers and researchers with knowledge of the Manitoba health system.
Our policy search identified frameworks for managing Long COVID in just two provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan); both frameworks incorporate integrated, interprofessional care. We were unable to identify Long COVID policy in any other jurisdiction, and four jurisdictions indicated that Long COVID will be managed using existing programs or global budgets. Public advocacy groups consistently raised the lack of recognition, let alone care, for Long COVID. Concerns about accessibility to appropriate health services were consistently expressed by advocacy groups because established services may not be equipped to address the needs of people with Long COVID. Advocacy groups argue for specialized team-based clinics, with rehabilitation as one of the main components of Long COVID management. Our scan of existing Manitoba services indicated that current rehabilitation services are not designed for the needs of people with Long COVID. Major gaps include Long COVID rehabilitation services for children and youth, and accessible community-based interprofessional care for young and middle-aged adults. Long COVID rehabilitation programs are being developed, but are not yet funded.
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Keywords
Rehabilitation, Long COVID, COVID