Showcasing a ‘Long-COVID (LC) Workforce Toolkit’ for Health and Social Care Providers: Providing resources, supports, and a mapping of networks that support rehabilitative efforts

Research Objectives The objective of this research is to co-design an evidence- and experience-informed ‘LC workforce toolkit’ to assist health and social care providers (HSCPs) (e.g., occupational therapists, social workers, etc.) in optimizing needed rehabilitation supports for people living with long-COVID (LC) (an emerging condition impacting 35% of COVID-19 patients1). This research project exists in collaboration with a broader research project that developed a rehabilitation strategy to address the psychosocial needs of LC. Design The research design for this project utilized a qualitative descriptive approach to co-design methods. Eight co-design workshops were facilitated virtually with participants. Through collaborative activities and discussions, participants worked to design and refine a sustainable ‘LC Workforce Toolkit’ for dissemination. Setting The setting of this research targets HSCPs across the continuum of care within the rehabilitation sector. Participants In total, 15 HSPCs were recruited to participate in this project. While recruiting participants, we sought out HSCPs who represent diverse professional backgrounds and practice in variety of health care contexts geographically across Canada. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The outcomes of this research include provider-facing outputs for academic, health, and social care audiences (e.g., practice recommendations). These outcomes will aid in informing systemic, organizational, and policy-level rehabilitation initiatives that address the needs of people with LC and HSCPs to raise public awareness of LC, identify the network of support needed for PWLC, and inform future research endeavors. Results The results of this research identified needed resources and supports for HSPCs providing care to people with LC across four main areas including: (1) practical/tangible, (2) knowledge/education, (3) social/community (within the rehab sector). The results also offered a mapping of LC health care roles and networks. Conclusions This research has the potential to positively impact the psychosocial well-being of PWLC by supporting the HSCPs workforce across the care continuum. As well, this research contributes to the integration of LC-specific rehabilitation knowledge and practices into current standards of care in Canada for HSCPs. Author(s) Disclosures Not applicable.