Understanding How Post–COVID-19 Condition Affects Adults and Health Care Systems

Abstract

ImportancePost–COVID-19 condition (PCC), also known as long COVID, encompasses the range of symptoms and sequelae that affect many people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the functional, health, and economic effects of PCC is important in determining how health care systems may optimally deliver care to individuals with PCC.ObservationsA rapid review of the literature showed that PCC and the effects of hospitalization for severe and critical illness may limit a person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities and employment, increase their risk of incident health conditions and use of primary and short-term health care services, and have a negative association with household financial stability. Care pathways that integrate primary care, rehabilitation services, and specialized assessment clinics are being developed to support the health care needs of people with PCC. However, comparative studies to determine optimal care models based on their effectiveness and costs remain limited. The effects of PCC are likely to have large-scale associations with health systems and economies and will require substantial investment in research, clinical care, and health policy to mitigate these effects.Conclusions and RelevanceAn accurate understanding of additional health care and economic needs at the individual and health system levels is critical to informing health care resource and policy planning, including identification of optimal care pathways to support people affected by PCC.

Inequalities in Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure Measured Using Financing Incidence Analysis (FIA): A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, there is a likelihood of increased utilization of healthcare services post-COVID-19, driven by pent-up demand for medical services following periods of lockdowns. This underscores the need for further examination of the inequality associated with the global healthcare crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic [53][54][55].…”

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Co-infection: Prevalence, fatality, and treatment considerations

“…Another important aspect to consider in the context of TB-COVID co-infection is the potential development of Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), commonly known as long COVID [ 34 ]. PCC refers to a range of persistent symptoms and health issues that can affect individuals even after recovering from acute COVID-19 infection [ 35 ].…”

“…It has been observed that PCC can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning, employability, and overall well-being. Moreover, it has been associated with an increased risk of developing new health conditions and the utilization of healthcare services, which can further strain the individual’s financial stability [ 34 ]. However, it is worth noting that the current evidence regarding PCC specifically in the context of TB-COVID co-infection is scarce.…”

Changes in Outpatient Health Care Use After COVID-19 Infection Among Veterans

“…We also characterize changes in outpatient use by modality and examine whether subgroups of veterans were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infection. Comparing cohorts of patients who were exposed to the same economic, social, and health care–related burdens associated with the pandemic is necessary to isolate the effect of infection from the effect of the pandemic . By examining utilization beyond the acute period, this study also provides evidence about the potential impact on long-term health care use that may be due to longer term multisystemic symptoms and conditions.…”

“…Comparing cohorts of patients who were exposed to the same economic, social, and health care–related burdens associated with the pandemic is necessary to isolate the effect of infection from the effect of the pandemic. 14 By examining utilization beyond the acute period, this study also provides evidence about the potential impact on long-term health care use that may be due to longer term multisystemic symptoms and conditions. Finally, these analyses can inform which units within health systems may experience sustained demand in future pandemics and identify where telehealth may or may not offload demand for care.…”