Perceptions and experiences of different Long COVID community rehabilitation service models from the perspectives of people living with Long COVID and healthcare professionals

ObjectivesTo explore the perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators to accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation. DesignWe used a qualitative descriptive [1] design over two rounds of data collection with three participant groups: i) people with experience of rehabilitation for Long COVID (PwLC); ii) NHS staff delivering and/or managing community rehabilitation services (allied health professionals (AHPs)), and iii) NHS staff involved in strategic planning around Long COVID in their health board (Long COVID leads). SettingFour NHS Scotland territorial health boards. Participants51 interviews: eight Long COVID leads (11 interviews); 15 AHPs (25 interviews) and 15 PwLC (15 interviews). ResultsThree key themes were identified: i) Accessing care for PwLC, ii) Understanding Long COVID and its management; and iii) Strengths and limitations of existing Long COVID rehabilitation services. ConclusionsOrganisational delivery of Long COVID community rehabilitation is complex and presents multiple challenges. In addition, access to Long COVID community rehabilitation can be challenging. When accessed, these services are valued by PwLC but require adequate planning, publicity, and resource. The findings presented here can be used by those developing and delivering services for people with Long COVID. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis is the first study to explore perceptions and experiences of different community rehabilitation models for Long COVID in the Scottish context C_LIO_LIPerspectives of people with Long COVID, staff delivering services, and staff leading on Long COVID in four geographically diverse Scottish health boards are included C_LIO_LIThe strengths and limitations of different Long COVID rehabilitation service model components are highlighted C_LIO_LIThe rapidly evolving nature of Long COVID and its management resulted in fewer distinct differences between the four health boards than originally anticipated C_LI