Integrative multimodal treatment approach for patients suffering from Post-COVID syndrome: a study based on qualitative interviews with individuals participating in an 11-week day clinic program.

BACKGROUND

Post-COVID syndrome is a complex condition affecting patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is characterized by fatigue, pain, reduced resilience, and quality of life. Severe cases resemble myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), associated with post-exertional malaise (PEM). Due to the unknown etiology and lack of curative options, multimodal therapy offers a particularly promising approach to symptom management.

METHODS

This qualitative interview study was part of a mixed-methods project conducted in 2022-2023, which investigated the effects of a multimodal integrative day clinic approach (MICOM day clinic) on the symptoms and general well-being of individuals with Post-COVID syndrome. The aim of the qualitative sub-study was to gain a deeper understanding of the individual perspectives of patients on their experiences of the illness and the perceived changes reported by 20 intervention group participants after completing the 11-week (66-h) multimodal program. Interview data had been analyzed based on reflexive thematic analysis using MAXQDA software.

RESULTS

Participants reported significant impairments in daily life and work capacity, accompanied by high psychological burden. The multimodal program led to improvements in physical and mental symptoms, overall well-being, and self-efficacy. Patients also reported long-term lifestyle changes in areas such as nutrition, stress regulation, and performance-oriented physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Post-COVID syndrome poses ongoing challenges for individuals and healthcare systems. Multimodal integrative treatment can effectively reduce symptoms, enhance coping strategies, and promote sustainable self-care.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05630378.