What people have told us about long Covid

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch England analysed its evidence on people with long Covid.  This report is based on the experiences of 858 people. 

Key findings:

GPs are unsure about the symptoms of long Covid

GPs are not always aware of what support is on offer. If GPs are aware of support, they don’t always know how to refer someone for it.

These issues mean that people are managing their symptoms themselves.

People have mixed experiences of Long Covid clinics.

Long Covid can affect every aspect of life – but patients are not being offered holistic support.

Specific groups have issues that are not being addressed, including older women feeling GPs dismiss their concerns, people with existing long term conditions feeling they will be overlooked, whether help is available for children and young people and NHS staff feeling worried about returning to work.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch England
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Type of report
Enter and View
Key themes
Access to services
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health
Referrals
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
General feedback
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
General Practice (GP)
Long Covid clinics or treatment

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
858
Age group
0 to 12 years
13 to 15 years
16 to 17 years
50 to 64 years
65 to 79 years
Gender
Women
Is the gender identity of people in the report the same as the sex they were assigned at birth?
Not known
Sexual orientation
Not known
Pregnancy/maternity
N/A
Types of disabilities
Long term condition
Does this report feature carers?
Yes
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