This is study is comprised of three approaches. First, the investigators will conduct a retrospective cohort study to determine factors associated with COVID-19 severity and complications and understand COVID-19 outcomes, including all-cause mortality, post-discharge events, and impacts of rehabilitation services (third aim). The second aim is a mixed-method study and follows COVID-19 patients with repeated surveys to determine patient-reported functional outcomes, health recovery, and rehabilitation needs after COVID-19. The investigators will recruit patients and their informal caregivers for interviews to assess their function and rehabilitation needs.
The long-term consequences of COVID 19 are not well understood, particularly in the Veteran
population. This study will describe and quantify the long-term consequences of COVID-19,
including impairment in physical and psychosocial function and health-related quality of
life. Additionally, it will determine the impact of chronic lung disease (CLD) and other
comorbidities on severity and recovery after COVID-19 infection and the association of social
determinants of health with severity and recovery.
Initially, a retrospective national cohort of VA patients who test positive with SARS2 will
be identified. Baseline clinical history will be analyzed with outcomes that include severity
of COVID 19, all-cause mortality, and post-discharge events.
Subsequently, a mixed methods, prospective cohort study will include both qualitative
(interview) and quantitative components (surveys). The investigators will identify patients
with COVID-19 and recruited for qualitative interviews following hospital discharge or
diagnosis. Patient caregivers will also be eligible to participate in study interviews.
Interviews will occur once at various times ranging 2 weeks to 1 year since a patient's
COVID-19 diagnosis. Surveys will be completed at 3 time points, 2-8 weeks after diagnosis or
discharge to home, and then 6 months and 12 months later. Surveys will include the EQ-5D-5L
profile for health-related quality of life, and the WHODAS 2.0 score for a global assessment
of overall physical and psychosocial function.
Inclusion Criteria:
- (Patients) VA patients diagnosed with COVID-19 through a positive PCR (Polymerase
Chain Reaction) or antigen SARS-CoV-2 test conducted in VA
- (Caregivers) Providing caregiving to VA patients diagnosed with COVID-19
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cognitive limitations that preclude the ability to communicate and obtain informed
consent
- Language barriers
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
Seattle, Washington, United States
Investigator: Lisa Batten, MD MHA MPH
Contact: 206-768-5288
lisa.batten@va.gov
Investigator: Kristina A Crothers, MD
Lisa Batten, MD MHA MPH
(206) 768-5288
lisa.batten@va.gov
John R Kundzins, BS
(206) 277-1515
John.Kundzins@va.gov
Kristina A Crothers, MD, Principal Investigator
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA