Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since 2020, several specialized follow-up outpatient clinics have been established across Germany to address the complex needs of patients with Long COVID/ Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC). This article reviews the current landscape of these specialized clinics in Germany and critically evaluates their diagnostic and treatment algorithms. METHODS: This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining publicly available information on post-COVID-19 outpatient clinics with an observational cross-sectional online survey among lead doctors of PCC follow-up outpatient clinics in Germany. The survey was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024. Descriptive statistics and t-tests for group-comparisons were employed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: At the time of the survey, 112 specialized PCC outpatient clinics were identified in Germany through publicly available information. Forty-five PCC outpatient clinic lead doctors (40.2%) responded to our survey. Treatment of PCC patients is personalized and symptom-oriented rather than standardized. Patient characteristics of the two identified main treatment domains, focusing on respiratory and neurocognitive symptoms, differed only in sex distribution. A higher proportion of females (63.9%) presented with pulmonary symptoms compared to patients with neurocognitive impairments (50.2%, p < 0.05). The level of distress among patients is generally perceived as high and outpatient clinic lead doctors are convinced that their outpatient counseling services offer significant benefits. CONCLUSIONS: As the demand for PCC follow-up outpatient clinics persists, the establishment of new services continues, particularly to address the growing need for neurocognitive care services. PCC outpatient care is currently personalized and symptom-orientated, leading to high variability across clinics. Further standardization of treatment protocols and diagnostic algorithms could improve patient care and facilitate professional exchange.