Understanding recovery of people recovering from COVID-19 receiving treatment from primary care allied health professionals: a mixed-methods study

PurposeTo quantitatively assess changes in recovery of people recovering from COVID-19 treated by a primary care allied health professional, and to qualitatively describe how they dealt with persistent complaints.Materials and methodsThis mixed-methods study is part of a Dutch prospective cohort study, from which thirty participants were selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data on recovery were collected at start of treatment and 6 months. Additionally, by use of semi-structured interviews participants were asked on how persistent complaints influenced their lives, and how they experienced received primary care allied health treatment.ResultsDespite reported improvements, most participants still experienced limitations at 6 months. Hospital participants reported a higher severity of complaints, but home participants reported more diverse complaints and a longer recovery. Most participants were satisfied with the primary care allied healthcare. Tender loving care and a listening ear, learning to manage limits, and support and acceptance of building up in small steps were perceived as contributing most to participants' recovery.ConclusionAlthough improvements were reported on almost all outcomes, most participants suffered from persistent complaints. Despite these persistent complaints, many participants reported being better able to cope with persistent complaints because they had decreased substantially in their intensity.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registry (NCT04735744). Participants recovering from COVID-19 receiving treatment from primary care allied health professionals reported improvements after 6 months, but still experienced persistent complaints.Home participants reported more persistent complaints and a longer recovery from COVID-19 than hospital participants.Personal attention for patients recovering from COVID-19 is necessary. Next to implementing a treatment plan (e.g. physical exercise), primary care allied health professionals should also pay attention to listening to the patient's story and offering support.Interprofessional collaboration between primary care allied health professionals, with a unified message to patients, is essential.