Professor Nisreen Alwan Research study co-author Nisreen Alwan, Teacher of Public Health from the University of Southampton who was made an MBE in 2021 for services to medication and public health throughout the pandemics, stated: “Clinicians and service providers need to end up being mindful of the complicated nature of Long Covid including patient sensations of insecurity, experiences of preconception, dismissal and isolation that can add to the health inequalities that impact minority ethnic groups in the UK.”
Dr Nina Smyth from the University of Westminster, which led the study, said: “Our study clarifies the absence of trust in healthcare that individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds sustain, even in 2024. Acknowledging Long Covid suffering with compassion while confirming symptoms will go a long way to restoring trust in health care.”
Professor Damien Ridge from the University of Westminster stated: “We were struck by the absence of warmth and understanding minority ethnic clients were reporting. Professionals could enhance things by consciously looking out to the need to be more inviting and open up to Long Covid clients.”
Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham from Keele University stated: “Our work has essential messages for clinicians in primary and specialist care, highlighting the requirement to recognise the impact assessments can have on future consulting behaviour, especially in some ethnic groups. This work follows our contribution to the development of the Supporting Long Covid Care tool which encourages individuals to think about Long Covid as a cause for their symptoms and to look for help.”
Dr Dipesh Gopal of Queen Mary University of London stated: “This research study shines a spotlight on the requirement for clinicians to verify patient experiences, even if diseases are not completely understood in the case of Long Covid. Having the time to care throughout a consultation to verify an experience can shape an individual’s life experience with health and health care services. Policymakers should note that this is challenging during present NHS pressures.”
A client consultant group was associated with all phases of the research. One client consultant and GP, Ashish Chaudhry, from Lower Broughton Health Centre, Salford, said: “It is crucial that voices from those impacted by the pandemic are heard. Whilst the pandemic is over, the suffering and the tradition of client interactions with health care stay. Ideally this study will raise awareness amongst healthcare experts of a few of the challenges clients face and make it possible for caring care.”
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The findings are released in the peer-reviewed British Journal of General Practice, entitled Individuals From Ethnic Minorities Seeking Help for Long Covid: A Qualitative Research study .