Study reveals impact of Long Covid service in county

A new evaluation study by the University of Suffolk has reported that Suffolk and North-East Essex’s Long Covid service has proved effective at improving patients’ quality of life, while demographic data revealed that women made up more than two thirds of service users.

The Suffolk and North-East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service (SNELCAS) was quickly established in 2021 to meet the emerging healthcare demands during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included ensuring continuity of care for those suffering from Long Covid, also known as Post Covid-19 Syndrome – even if they never tested positive or were admitted to hospital.

Long Covid encompasses a range of symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after the initial infection that are not explained by alternative diagnoses.

Symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness, low mood, anxiety, aches and pains, loss of appetite and brain fog, among others.
The referral process typically involved a series of measures, including screening questions, an oxygen saturation reading, chest X-ray and blood tests.

The service collaborates with various healthcare providers, including respiratory physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses and mental health professionals to provide a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patients receive support tailored to their needs.

The University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing was commissioned in spring 2024 to evaluate the service, including perceived impacts on patient wellbeing, waiting periods and demographics of patients.

According to the data, 1,787 patients were referred between 4 December 2020 and 12 July 2024.

Most came through referrals either from their GP (43 per cent) or approaching their GP themselves believing they had Long Covid (46 per cent).

The figures reported that more than two thirds – 71 per cent – were female, and 70 per cent of patients aged 35-64. Half of all patients were aged 50-74. The data revealed that 84 per cent were white, with 55 per cent hailing from Suffolk and 40 per cent from Essex.

Based on demographics of the area, the study authors reported that they would have expected to see more individuals from Asian, black or mixed ethnic backgrounds as Long Covid disproportionately affects those from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities. The study authors recommended increased partnership working with local and community organisations to help reach diverse communities.

In addition, the evaluation found that most patients had their initial assessment within six-to-ten weeks, with an average time for discharge around 14 months.

Patients also completed scores on the European Quality of Life survey (EQ-5D-5L) – a survey which measures quality of life for mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

The scores suggested the service is effective in improving patient’s overall physical health and quality of life, with significant gains in self-care and usual activities after they were discharged. That included a 10 per cent increase in self-reported health status.

The report added that while average scores for mobility, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression did not change in terms of averages, a statistically significant shift in scores towards less severe ratings were found, indicating a positive impact for patients.

Patient survey data found that nearly three quarters – 73 per cent – believed SNELCAS had positively contributed to their recovery.

Some patient survey data raised concerns around gaps in communication about next steps, delays in the system or rushed telephone assessments. However, the survey also found patients praising the service’s emotional and practical support, with service users feeling reassured and understood.

Dr Abigail Webb from the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Suffering from the effects of Long Covid can be a challenging and anxious time for patients, and one which can significantly impact their day-to-day living.

“Our study has found SNELCAS to be effective in improving patients’ overall physical health and quality of life, playing a vital role in patient recovery and overall wellbeing which has the potential to do so for those living with other similar chronic conditions.”

Sarah Fowler, is a Co-Clinical Lead for the Suffolk and North Essex Long Covid Assessment Service at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. 

She said: “The service evaluation carried out by the University of Suffolk has allowed us to hear directly from our patients. It has given us a clear picture of what they value in the service and enabled us to objectively demonstrate impacts. It gives us a clear road map on how to continue improving what we offer.”

To read the full report visit the website here.

For more information about the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, visit the website here.