The impact of COVID-19 in multiple long-term conditions

The impact of COVID-19 in multiple long-term conditions - using real-world data

What we are doing?

We are investigating the short and longer-term effects of COVID-19 infection on the health outcomes of people with multiple long-term conditions. We will conduct a systematic review of observational studies to investigate this impact. We will also carry out health-data analyses (using real-world evidence) to assess the disparities in healthcare access and utilization among people with MLTCs during the pandemic, and describe the prevalence, determinants and outcomes of Long COVID in this population. Lastly, we will conduct a qualitative study among people with lived experiences of MLTCs and Long COVID to identify priorities for Long COVID management. 

Why we are doing it?

Health care is generally organised with a single disease focus, creating a challenge for managing people with multiple long-term conditions. Studies have shown more adverse health outcomes in people with MLTCs who had COVID-19 infection, signalling a higher morbidity and mortality burden in them. 

The impact of COVID-19 concerning single comorbidities has been widely reported, however, there is a gap in the understanding in people with MLTCs. This PhD therefore aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on the health outcomes of people with multiple long-term conditions to hopefully inform clinical practice and public health policies. 

What the benefits will be and to whom?

This study hopes to provide useful insights on the experiences and health outcomes of COVID-19 and their determinants among people with multiple long-term conditions. This will hopefully inform better patient-centred, targeted, preventative and management interventions for co-existing COVID-19 infection (including Long-COVID) and MLTCs. Having patients share their experiences of living with MLTCs and Long COVID will also add value to the evidence to inform clinical management decisions and policies on MLTC management. Directions for future research may also be gleaned from the findings of this study. 

Who we are working with?

  • Leicester Real World Evidence Unit 
  • Leicester Diabetes Centre 
  • The University of Leicester, Department of Population Health Sciences 

Contact

Shukrat Olajumoke Salisu-Olatunji, PhD student, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, soso1@leicester.ac.uk.