Perspective of healthcare providers on the care of children and adolescents with post-viral syndrome
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Healthcare professionals (medical and psychosocial staff) from 15 federal Comprehensive Care Centres (CCCs), as well as their cooperation partners (e.g., general practitioners, therapists, st
Sponsors
UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM FREIBURG, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationsforschung (SEVERA)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Written informed consent Sufficient German language skills to participate in interviews and focus groups Employment as either: Member of the medical or psychosocial team of a CCC (e.g., physician, psychotherapist, nurse, etc.) or cooperation partner of a CCC (e.g., general practitioner, physical/occupational therapist, staff in rehab or pain clinics) Involvement in the care of children and adolescents with post-viral syndromes (PVS), such as Long COVID or ME/CFS
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Missing or withdrawn informed consent Insufficient German language skills to participate in interviews or focus groups No employment in a CCC or cooperation partner institution No professional involvement in the care of children or adolescents with post-viral syndromes (PVS)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary endpoint of the study is the subjective assessment by healthcare providers regarding their experiences with and expectations of the newly implemented model of care (Comprehensive Care Centers, CCC). In addition, perceived acceptance and feasibility of the care model in daily clinical practice as well as facilitating and hindering factors related to its implementation are assessed. These target parameters are collected within a longitudinal mixed-methods design at two measurement time points: T1 at the beginning of the implementation of the care centers (expected from Q3 2025) and T2 at least one year later (expected from Q3 2026). Data collection is carried out using three methodological approaches: Standardized questionnaires are distributed via the REDCap platform to the entire psychosocial teams at the CCCs. These questionnaires capture, among other aspects, knowledge, burden, and attitudes toward the care of children and adolescents with post-viral syndrome (PVS). In addition, the heads of the care centers receive questionnaires on structural characteristics of their respective institutions. Second, semi-structured qualitative interviews are conducted with 30 to 45 healthcare providers and 15 to 30 cooperation partners. Interviews take place at both T1 and T2 (cooperation partners only at T2). Third, focus groups with the multiprofessional teams of the CCCs are conducted at the second measurement time point (one per center). The qualitative interviews and focus groups are conducted via Webex or by telephone, recorded, fully transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The operationalization of the endpoints is developed specifically for the project, drawing on established theoretical models such as the Donabedian model for quality assessment, the Re-AIM framework, and the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches ensures comprehensive assessment of the defined endpoints. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals regarding PVS (including Long COVID, ME/CFS). Structural characteristics of the CCCs (e.g., staffing, infrastructure). Diagnostic and therapeutic processes as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. Perceived benefit of the care model for patients from the professionals' perspective. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactGeorge Jogho
UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM FREIBURG, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationsforschung (SEVERA)
Outcome results
None listed