A newly published review suggests even those in the healthcare industry find it difficult to access care for long COVID symptoms, and that in some cases, they do not believe physicians took their concerns seriously.
Researchers conducted a rapid systematic review of 30 studies from December 2019 to December 2022 to evaluate the effects of long COVID on healthcare workers' health, working lives, personal circumstances and use of health services.
The findings, published March 5 in PLOS One, revealed five themes: uncertainty about symptoms, difficulty accessing services, importance of being listened to and supported, patient versus professional identity, and suggestions to improve communication and services for those with long COVID.
Many participants reported difficulty accessing and navigating care, and in some cases, a perceived lack of interest or support from their physicians.
"Healthcare workers felt bewildered by symptoms and expressed dissatisfaction with access to the healthcare system, and the disengaged and dismissive attitude of some healthcare professionals," the researchers wrote of their findings. "They felt their voice as a patient was not heard and their symptoms were not taken seriously."
Participants said their experiences have driven a newfound empathy for patients experiencing persistent or new symptoms after a bout with COVID-19.
"A number of us in [an online support] group have said how ashamed we are of some of the attitudes we've had towards people, and lack of empathy … This concept of being irritated by patients when they're not really pleased when something comes back normal … Hopefully, it will make me a better and more empathetic doctor," a participant in one of the studies said.
Read more findings from the review here.