New partnership looks set to boost community-based Long Covid pathway
‘ Through our partnership with Sport For Confidence , the Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service ( SNELCAS ) refers people to local leisure centre-based occupational therapists who conduct an initial one-to-one assessment which then determines an appropriate intervention route .
‘ This may include educational sessions , physical activity sessions , clinical referral or a mix of all options . Every case is different , so every pathway is unique . After the initial one-to-one consultation , assessment is ongoing with official one-to-one consultations scheduled at week six and 12 months .’
The introduction of this pathway is all about putting the individual in touch with the right people , in the right place at the right time to optimise recovery .”
Above : Local leisure centre OTs working with people on the new pathway
Sport for Confidence has teamed up with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to integrate a community-based pathway to support people experiencing Long Covid .
‘ Long Covid is a complex condition that affects every individual differently , with symptoms often presenting in clusters of varying degree ,’ explains Sarah Fowler , Co-Clinical Lead Suffolk and North East Essex Long Covid Assessment Service .
‘ This makes the treatment and support of the condition equally complex , requiring a flexible , easy access , person-centred approach . All participants accepted onto this pathway had experienced symptoms for at least 12 weeks since their initial COVID-19 symptoms .
The pathway launched in October 2022 . The pilot started in Colchester , Essex , and has now expanded to Clacton , Essex .
Robert Walker , Clinical Lead , Occupational Therapist at Sport for Confidence , says : ‘ Through this pathway , every participant embarks on a bespoke recovery journey , tailored to their individual needs . Some people place a negative association on a clinical environment , so moving to community-based locations , such as the home or leisure centre , removes this potential barrier , improving acceptance and accessibility .
‘ The introduction of this pathway is all about putting the individual in touch with the right people , in the right place at the right time to optimise recovery .’
So far the pathway has supported 48 individuals . Jamie Squires , Occupational Therapist at Sport For Confidence , who is also delivering the pathway , adds : ‘ All sessions are designed to help the individual understand and self-manage their own recovery . Taking ownership of their recovery through practical application and education encourages longer term behavioural change that will not only help them manage Long Covid , but also boost their immunity and mental resilience to protect against future infection and disease .’ To find out more about Long Covid and the referral process into SNELCAS visit www . sneewellbeing . org . uk / long-covid .
10 OTnews June 2023