Post-COVID in primary care : evaluation of allied healthcare and dietary treatment

The global COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on physical and mental health, and healthcare use. Although the pandemic is over, some people continue to experience persistent complaints after COVID-19, also known as post-COVID. This thesis describes the recovery trajectories and experiences with primary care allied healthcare among people with persistent complaints, with specific focus on support from primary care dietitians. The findings show that people receiving primary care allied healthcare made clinically relevant progress, but continued to report persistent complaints. The course of persistent complaints is difficult to predict, and the typical post-COVID patient does not seem to exist. Primary care allied healthcare professionals play an important role in providing mental support, helping patients cope with complaints, feeling heard, and acceptance. Dietitians are crucial in the management of post-COVID as malnutrition, low fat-free mass, nutrition-related complaints, and an increased risk of sarcopenia are common. A patient-centred approach is essential for successful (dietary) treatment.