Views of healthcare workers on development of support for people with post-COVID syndrome in Kyrgyzstan: a survey study

Background After the acute period from severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus infection, many coronavirus infection survivors continue to have ongoing symptoms, but little is known about what appropriate support should look like in Kyrgyzstan.

Objectives This study aimed to explore what support should look like for coronavirus infection survivors who continue to have ongoing symptoms.

Design This study was conducted from 23 April to 3 September 2020 using two cross-sectional online surveys in the Russian language. The survey was conducted anonymously and voluntarily and consisted of 16 questions.

Setting The study was conducted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Participants The first group included clinical workers of various specialities who worked in the places of treatment for patients with coronavirus infection. The second group consisted of people aged ≥ 18 years living with persisting COVID-19 symptoms.

Results A total of 85 clinical workers and 132 coronavirus infection 2019 survivors took part in the survey. Coronavirus infection 2019 survivors reported they would be willing to devote one to three sessions per week (84%) with a duration of no more than 1 hour (90%) to post-COVID interventions. Respondents identified the internet (43%) and separate smartphone applications (42%) as the best media via which to receive support at home. The greatest barrier to accepting help was the risk of re-infection (43%). According to clinical workers, the main goal of post-coronavirus infection 2019 support should be the amelioration of breathing problems (70%), increased physical exercise (57%) and elements of psychological support (57%). Clinical workers reported that support would best begin during treatment for coronavirus infection 2019 (65%), or immediately after returning from the hospital (59%). The cost of treatment (47%) and the individual’s employment at work (43%) were deemed potential barriers to coronavirus infection 2019 survivors participating in support interventions.

Limitations This exploratory study recruited a convenience sample via an online survey, which may have led to selection bias. Due to limitations in staffing and resources, we were able to recruit a small proportion of patients hospitalised with coronavirus infection and the study may have benefited from in-depth, qualitative exploration.

Conclusions Clinical workers and coronavirus infection 2019 survivors deemed post-coronavirus infection 2019 support to potentially be home-based, with a combination of face-to-face, video and telephone support, with a focus on strength and aerobic training, and symptom management. Risk of re-infection, inconsistent information about COVID-19, a lack of confidence in clinical workers, financial concerns and inadequate supplies of personal protective equipment were the main barriers to implementation.

Future work In-depth, qualitative exploration to further develop possible interventions in this population is needed.