Pragmatic Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Outpatients with Residual Respiratory Symptoms from COVID-19 Infection at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital : A retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess treatment pattern and clinical outcomes of patients with respiratory symptoms residual from COVID-19 infection and develop the recommendation to improve efficiency of hospital services Research methodology: Retrospective study was conducted in patients with residual respiratory symptoms from COVID-19 infection, age 18 years and over, with the main symptoms of fatigue and/or shortness of breath. The patients visited to respiratory clinic of Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr hospital between December 2022 to March 2023 and only those with assessment of clinical outcomes in pulmonary obstruction based on four key aspects; severity of fatigue, shortness of breath, quality of life and symptom relief were selected. Statistical analysis by paired t-test for normal data distribution and Wilcoxon signed rank test for abnormal distribution were used for data analysis. Conclusion: Treatment of patients with residual symptoms in the respiratory system is effective in relieving fatigue, shortness of breath and other associated symptoms. Moreover, holistic care by applying lifestyle medicine principles to care for this group of patients would help improving patients’ quality of life.