PHARM-LC: What role can Community Pharmacy play in supporting people with long Covid? Protocol for a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background Long Covid is a debilitating multifaceted condition, that is more prevalent in those from deprived areas, females and those with another disorder or disability. Those that live with Long Covid currently must endure a lack of services, support and have also reported being ‘gaslit’ by health care professionals. Primary care services such as GP surgeries are under immense pressure and have limited resources to offer those that live with Long Covid. Community pharmacy could be a localised solution for those that need support and advice for Long Covid as they have already proven to be a reliable source during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to address gaps in research to explore the possible role that community pharmacy teams can play in supporting those living with Long Covid. Protocol A two-phase multi-method study using semi-structured interviews and co-design will be utilised. For phase one: two population groups; those with lived experience of Long Covid and community pharmacy team members will be interviewed to understand their current experiences of community pharmacy supporting those living with Long covid, as well as lived experiences and self-management (people with Long Covid), and training needs, and current practice (Community pharmacy teams). For phase two: a co-design approach will be utilised with key stakeholders to help inform online training via multiple workshops. This training will be then piloted by end users, who will provide post training feedback via a survey. Discussion Understanding the role that community pharmacy can play in supporting those with Long Covid and to facilitate development of this new support pathway to develop online training which provides pharmacy teams with a structured and cohesive approach to care.