Long COVID-19 researchers seek input from health sector

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington researchers are identifying research and health service-based priorities to inform the development of future research in the area.

Bailey Yee, from the University’s Health Services Research Centre—Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora, says they’re looking for medical professionals either interested in Long COVID-19 research or treating and supporting people with symptoms.

The first step in their programme is a one-hour Zoom brainstorm at 10 am on Tuesday 31 October this year.

Bailey says their goal is to ensure those supporting people with Long COVID-19 have the resources and knowledge to do so.

“Research should always be fit for purpose—for who it serves. This session will help us to find out what questions we need to be asking, what answers need to be found, so that our research is as beneficial to the sector as possible.”

She says although we’re seeing healthcare services for Long COVID-19 evolve overseas, Aotearoa is lagging behind.

“Our only publicly funded Long COVID-19 Clinic in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) is closing after a short five-month run, despite the high demand for such services.

“The current estimates of how likely people are to develop Long COVID-19 varies, but some data is suggesting it could be as high as 20% in Aotearoa.”

Even with a very conservative estimate of 5% of those with Long COVID, Bailey says this would translate to over 120,000 people in Aotearoa living with ongoing COVID-related symptoms, including 18,000 Māori and 10,000 Pacific people.

“Much of the management of this will fall onto primary healthcare services, which is why we want as many people involved as possible—to ensure our research is centred around their needs.”

Bailey says people who are interested can email her.

“This kōrero is just the beginning. There will be loads more opportunities to be involved with ongoing research which we hope people will get amongst.”

More information about the project is available on Te Hikuwai Rangahau Hauora’s website.