CHEST Guidelines-Rapid-Design-and-Implementation-of-Post-COVID-19-C

Rapid-Design-and-Implementation-of-Post-COVID-19-C

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The article discusses the development and implementation of multidisciplinary post-COVID-19 clinics at Johns Hopkins University (JH) and the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). These clinics address the complex needs of COVID-19 survivors, who often face lingering symptoms and complications across various organ systems, leading to conditions such as post-hospital syndrome (PHS) and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).<br /><br />The creation of these clinics was driven by the need for effective, coordinated ambulatory care for COVID-19 survivors, especially those who have been hospitalized or required intensive care. Both JH and UCSF opted to establish clinics without prior existing post-ICU clinic infrastructure. They implemented a framework sufficiently flexible to adapt to individual institutional needs while maintaining essential elements useful for broader replication.<br /><br />Key steps in establishing these clinics included forming a multidisciplinary team to assess and address various health issues such as pulmonary and cognitive function, implementing telehealth to overcome logistical barriers, and ensuring patient-centered care. The clinics also focused on coordinating care with primary care physicians, integrating a PICS framework, and leveraging research efforts to enhance both clinical practice and optimize outcomes for patients.<br /><br />Challenges mentioned include securing resources, aligning evaluation metrics, and maintaining an adaptable team structure amidst continuous pandemic-related changes. Consequently, institutional support, equitable access, and a commitment to iterative process improvement were deemed essential for the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of these clinics.<br /><br />Overall, the article aims to provide a framework for other institutions seeking to implement similar care models and emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, patient-centered interventions, and adaptability in the face of ongoing healthcare challenges presented by COVID-19.

Keywords

multidisciplinary clinics

post-COVID-19 care

Johns Hopkins University

University of California-San Francisco

post-hospital syndrome

post-intensive care syndrome

telehealth

patient-centered care

interdisciplinary approach

COVID-19 survivors