follow-up and monitoring (Long COVID)

Last edited 03/2021 and last reviewed 04/2022

Follow-up and monitoring

For full details then see NICE guideline [NG188]

• recommendations are for healthcare professionals providing care for people with ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome in any setting, including primary care and community settings, secondary care and rehabilitation services

Agree with the person how often follow-up and monitoring are needed and which healthcare professionals should be involved. Take into account the person's level of need and the services involved.

Using shared decision making, offer people the option of monitoring in person or remotely depending on availability, the person's preference and whether it is clinically suitable for them.

Tailor monitoring to people's symptoms and discuss any changes, including new or worsening symptoms and the effects of these on the person's life and wellbeing.

Consider supported self-monitoring at home, for example heart rate and blood pressure and pulse oximetry, if this is agreed as part of the person's assessment. Ensure that people have clear instructions and parameters for when to seek further help.

Be alert to symptoms developing that could mean referral or investigation is needed, following recommendations in the section on assessing people with new or ongoing symptoms after acute COVID-19.

Reference:

• NICE (December 2020). COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing the long-term effects of COVID-19