The long-term consequences of COVID-19 remain unclear. People who are older, have medical comorbidities and those who live in areas of increased socio-economic deprivation are at increased risk of poor outcome and complications from COVID-19 (1).
In 2020, over 130,000 people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the UK (2). Whilst admission rates fell, the potential impact of 'post-COVID' syndromes on patients and the health services need longer-term further investigation.
The British Thoracic Society (BTS) COVID-19 Guidance advises follow-up of patients who had COVID-19, depending on whether the patient required intensive/higher care versus ward/community care.1. For mild/moderate disease, BTS recommends virtual follow-up with a chest X-ray (1). A wide range of symptoms and reduced HRQoL has been detected in these patients reinforcing the importance of a implementing a holistic approach advocated by the BTS and other guidelines (2).
The COVID follow-up service was set up in 2020 in the Southampton General Hospital to provide longer-term care to patients with COVID-19 chest symptoms. The changing nature of the pandemic and an extension of the cohort from patients discharged after hospital stay for COVID-19 infection to previously not hospitalised patients referred by GPs call for an evaluation of the COVID follow-up clinic to explore patient experiences, expectations, and preferences with this service.
