Heather Vance, MD; Amelita Maslach, MD; Emily Stoneman, MD; Kathryn Harmes, MD; Andrea Ransom, NP; Katharine Seagly, PhD; Wendy Furst, MA
Corresponding Author: Heather Vance, MD; University Health Service - University of Michigan.
Contact Email: hbidgoli@med.umich.edu
Section: Evidence-Based Clinical Medicine
Publication Date: November 2021
BACKGROUND: Post-COVID symptoms, defined as symptoms lasting >4 weeks post infection, have been identified not only among those patients who were hospitalized with severe symptoms, but also among those who were asymptomatic or with only mild symptoms. Primary care providers (PCPs) will often be the first point of contact for patients experiencing potential complications of post-COVID symptoms. The aim of this paper is to present a post-COVID management tool for PCPs to use as a quick reference and guide to the initial work-up and management of the most common post-COVID symptoms.
METHODS: A multi-disciplinary group of representatives from University of Michigan Health identified a need for clinical practice guidelines to support care for patients with post-COVID symptoms. CDC and NIH guidance, recent literature, and expert specialist opinion were used to create the structure for a guide outlining the outpatient evaluation and treatment for post-COVID symptoms.
RESULTS: A quick-reference guide for management of post-COVID symptoms was created for PCPs. Additionally, educational materials were created for clinicians to share with patients via the electronic medical record or discuss during their visit. Our paper reviews several common complaints including respiratory, cognitive, and neurological symptoms, chronic fatigue, dysautonomia, and anosmia and presents recommendations for management.
CONCLUSIONS: Data on long-term effects of COVID-19 are still emerging and rapid dissemination of this data to front-line PCPs is crucial. This table was our effort to make the currently available evidence accessible for our PCPs in a simple, easy-to-use format.