Disclosures: Bethany M. Kavalakatt, BS: No financial relationships or conflicts of interest

Background and/or Objectives: To understand the experience of participants in Integrative Medicine Group Visits for Long COVID-19 (IMGV- LC)

Design: Patients referred to IMGV-LC from a COVID Recovery Clinic were recruited to participate in this study. This feasibility pilot study with a pre-post interview design explored group participants’ expectations, experiences, and insights related to the IMGV-LC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and the first of 8 weekly IMGV-LC sessions and following group completion. Qualitative data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis.

Setting: Telehealth visits using Zoom software at an outpatient rehabilitation clinic affiliated with an academic medical center

Participants: 10 patients aged 22 to 67

Interventions: IMGV-LC was delivered as a two-hour telehealth visit co-facilitated by a physician and yoga instructor. Sessions were held weekly from June to August 2021. The curriculum includes principles and practices of mindfulness-based stress reduction, nutrition, and lifestyle management.

Main Outcome Measures: Qualitative interview data

Results: There were 15 patients who were enrolled in the group and the average attendance was ten patients per session. Participants recommend that ideal candidates for IMGV-LC would be patients struggling and frustrated with symptoms of Long-COVID. Participants appreciated the patient-centered approach of the IMGV-LC, social support from others in the group, and increased confidence to manage symptoms. Patients found that having a mutual understanding of each other’s situation was beneficial in the healing process. While anxiety about the possibility of re-infection was common, multiple patients were optimistic about the future because they had better control of their situation after experiencing IMGV. The mindfulness techniques gave them tools to tackle symptoms, respond to stressors effectively, and be resilient.

Conclusions: By understanding patients’ recommendations and perspectives, providers can help provide individualized, patient-centered care through IMGV-LC as well as understand the impact IMGV-LC has on patients’ illness experience. This data can help give physicians clarity on which patients would be ideal to participate in IMGV-LC.

Level of Evidence: Level I

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PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/integrative-medical-group-visits-for-long-covid-19-patient-interviews-identify-therapeutic-elements/