Background: There is currently very limited information on the nature and prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms after hospital discharge. Methods: A purposive sample of 100 survivors discharged from a large University hospital were assessed 4 to 8 weeks after discharge by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation professionals using a specialist telephone screening tool designed to capture symptoms and impact on daily life. EQ-5D-5L telephone version was also completed. Results: Participants were between 29 and 71 days (mean 48 days) postdischarge from hospital. Thirty-two participants required treatment in intensive care unit (ICU group) and 68 were managed in hospital wards without needing ICU care (ward group). New illness-related fatigue was the most common reported symptom by 72% participants in ICU group and 60.3% in ward group. The next most common symptoms were breathlessness (65.6% in ICU group and 42.6% in ward group) and psychological distress (46.9% in ICU group and 23.5% in ward group). There was a clinically significant drop in EQ5D in 68.8% in ICU group and in 45.6% in ward group. Conclusions: This is the first study from the United Kingdom reporting on postdischarge symptoms. We recommend planning rehabilitation services to manage these symptoms appropriately and maximize the functional return of COVID-19 survivors.

Objectives The role of medical students in the current COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving. The aim of this review is to explore the involvement of medical students in past global health emergencies, to help inform current and future scenarios. Methods A rapid systematic review was undertaken, including articles from online databases discussing the roles, willingness and appropriateness of medical student involvement in global health emergencies. Data were extracted, appraised and written up as a narrative synthesis. This paper was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020177231). Results 28 articles were included. Medical students played a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical roles including education and logistics, although medical assistance was the most commonly reported role. Challenges included a lack of preparedness and negative mental health impacts. 91.7% of included articles about willingness found medical students were more willing to be involved than not. Conclusion This review shows medical students are capable and willing to be involved in global health emergencies. However, there should be clear protocols for the roles that they play, taking into account the appropriateness. As a rapid review, there were study limitations and more research is required regarding the impact of these roles on medical students and the system.

Background One of the biggest concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is the extreme demand for health care workers and health systems. Medical students possess a range of skills and attributes that can help the declining workforce. This paper aims to provide an overview of the roles medical students have taken during this pandemic worldwide and provide insights to work towards establishing safe, efficient and useful roles during the progression of the pandemic. Methods A comprehensive questionnaire was distributed through social media using platforms and networks that involved medical students worldwide. Analysis of the data included both quantitative and qualitative methods. Qualitative data of multiple-choice questions was done to calculate the percentage of countries in which students played a role during the pandemic, whether they were paid, and if medical education was suspended. Furthermore, we identified the different roles medical students had across the globe. Qualitative analysis was performed on blank space questions to gain more insights regarding the roles of medical students across different countries. Results 144 responses were reported from 47 countries and 81 different universities, representing all United Nations Regions. The role of medical students was most reported as providing medical assistance, namely in 61.7% of countries. Other reported roles were helplines, no role, logistical assistance, testing, baby-sitting, awareness, triage and supporting a physician at home. In 7.5% of the countries where students are performing services, it is reported these are paid services. In 45.7% (n = 37) of all universities, medical schools have been suspended with no reported (online) alternative for classes or exams. Conclusions Our results show that medical students have the capability to contribute in many different ways during this pandemic. In most cases, roles are unpaid and many reports show that there is no clarity on whether their roles will count towards their educational credits. It is crucial to develop adequate protocols and statements, so medical students can contribute to the best of their capacity and in a safe, ethical and healthy manner during the pandemic, for which additional research and collaboration between institutions is needed.

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BackgroundA large proportion of vulnerable migrants may be survivors of torture, with complex health needs as a result; yet there is a lack of guidance or understanding of how to identify and record signs of torture. Clinical professionals in primary care are in a unique position to care for and support this patient population.AimThe primary aim of this study was to explore the primary care context of how signs of torture could be better recorded to support patients and meet their needs.MethodThis was a qualitative research study conducted through remote interviews with health professionals from a range of clinical backgrounds and experience of working with survivors of torture.ResultsTwelve health professionals participated in the study, with results analysed using applied thematic analysis. Seven themes were identified, ranging from the barriers to asking about and disclosing torture, the underlying purpose of doing so, political factors affecting this issue and various ways to potentially improve recording torture.ConclusionBefore clinical professionals can record torture, they must first ask the patient about it as survivors are unlikely to raise the topic themselves. Many clinical professionals lack the awareness or confidence to do this, thereby warranting further discussion on strategies to educate clinical professionals about torture. Accessible guidance and a simple, systematic method to identify survivors of torture which is suitable for a primary care setting is necessary, with suggestions for further research including routine enquiry and targeted screening.