Management of Long COVID in primary care
This project aims to investigate what an optimal Long COVID service located in primary care encompasses, using a co-design methodology.
It is widely recognised that primary care plays a considerable role in managing Long COVID. The need for such services in Aotearoa New Zealand is evident. It is essential that these services are developed in collaboration with people living with Long COVID, and with Māori to ensure that these services are accessible.
This study employs a co-design partnership model involving stakeholders working with researchers. The fundamental tent to this approach is to place people with lived experience of Long COVID at the centre of the service design processes. This methodology also helps us understand the inequities and cultural values specific to Māori and Pacific communities.
Study objectives
- We will organise six exploratory workshops across Aotearoa New Zealand, and invite individuals with lived experiences of Long COVID, along with their whānau/caregivers to discuss their journey and the services they have received. These workshops will provide an overview of areas where primary care services can be improved to better support those living with Long COVID.
- We will continue with co-design team meetings using an iterative approach to explore the needs of individuals with Long COVID, make collaborative decisions between patients, healthcare professionals and researchers and test pilot ideas with people with lived experience of Long COVID.
Study output
The result of this co-design process will be a Long COVID toolkit. This toolkit will outline the essential elements stakeholders consider to be the core components of managing Long COVID in primary care.
Project leads
Associate Professor Ridvan Firestone
Senior Researcher
Centre for Hauora and Health at Massey University
Associate Dean, Maori · - Māori Health
Health Services Research Centre · - Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora