Symptom burden, care pathways and treatment experiences of healthcare workers with post-COVID-19 syndrome (SCOPE-CARE): a mixed-methods study protocol

Introduction Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both as carers and as patients. Many individuals developed persistent symptoms following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS).

Previous research indicates that a significant proportion of HCWs experience long-lasting and debilitating symptoms of PCS. The aim of this study is to investigate the longitudinal symptom burden as well as the care pathways and treatment experiences of PCS-affected HCWs insured by the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for Health and Welfare.

Methods and analysis The study uses a mixed-methods approach. The longitudinal survey will extend a cohort study of n=2436 HCWs (started in 2023) affected by PCS, adding two measurement points, set in 2025 (T 3 ) and 2026 (T 4 ).

Additionally, interviews on care pathways and treatment experiences will be conducted with a subsample of n=60 PCS-affected HCWs. Another subsample of n=30 HCWs will be asked to participate in ecological momentary assessments of symptom burden, emotional well-being and coping strategies.

Analyses of routinely collected data by the insurance company will complement the study data.