Primary care-based, cross-sectoral care concept for people with post-acute infection syndromes (CONFIDENCE)

Project description

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) and other post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) are complex illnesses with long-lasting symptoms following a viral infection. Those affected can suffer from persistent limitations, sometimes severely, even requiring bed rest (e.g. in case of ME/CFS). Common symptoms include fatigue, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, cognitive impairment, and pain. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the number of those affected. Knowledge about these illnesses is limited, and new findings could lead to significant changes in treatment. Reliable diagnostic parameters are still lacking. This poses major challenges for those affected, as well as for the healthcare system.

The aim of the CONFIDENCE project is to develop and test an individually tailored, graduated care system for people living with PAIS. The focus lies on the care of those affected by their primary care physicians in collaboration with specialised outpatient clinics. Other healthcare professionals will also be included in the treatment plan. The concept includes tailored patient information, continuing education concepts for all healthcare professions, optimised care pathways, and telemedicine measures. The care model will be evaluated in a cluster-randomised controlled trial. A process and health economic evaluation will be conducted in parallel.

If successful, the results will contribute to the sustainable promotion of efficient, patient-centered care for people living with PAIS. Over-, under-, and mis-provision of care may also be reduced as a result.

Description adapted from project website: see link above.