Long COVID research: State supports Unikliniken with two million euros
The majority of people in Baden-Württemberg have now been infected with coronavirus. According to studies, around ten percent of infected adults and two to four percent of infected children could have long-term problems. However, it is not yet entirely clear how best to treat long COVID. Health Minister Manne Lucha announced on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in Stuttgart that the state is supporting the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and the University Hospitals of Heidelberg, Tübingen and Ulm with a total of two million euros to research good treatment options for this new disease.
"We already have specialist outpatient clinics in Baden-Württemberg. However, we urgently need more knowledge about Long COVID, which we can also use to support GPs - because they are the ones who provide long-term care or, together with other specialists, guide those affected into the right treatment pathways. The specialists in the specialist outpatient clinics can then take care of the really serious and complex cases," said Minister Lucha.
Making a real difference
"Until now, the specialist outpatient clinics at university hospitals have been the main points of contact for patients with suspected Long Covid. For optimal care, it is crucial that GPs, rehabilitation facilities and other stakeholders in the healthcare system are more closely involved. With the network being created as part of the project, we can make a real difference in the care of Long COVID patients," says Prof. Dr. Winfried Kern, Project Manager of the Department of Infectiology at the Department of Medicine II at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.
The University Hospitals of Freiburg, Heidelberg, Tübingen and Ulm will work together on the project. "I am grateful to the Unikliniken for developing this research concept for a treatment network and presenting it to us," emphasized the Minister. "We are very happy to support this, because we urgently need more knowledge on optimized care concepts for long COVID."
The four Unikliniken are establishing four care networks in which the treatment of patients with Long COVID will be further developed. In the centers, the Long COVID special outpatient clinics offer consultation hours and provide advice via (tele)conferences. The Institutes of General Medicine at the participating university hospitals are coordinating the establishment of networks involving the Long COVID specialist outpatient clinics, GPs, rehabilitation facilities, psychotherapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, health authorities, patients and self-help organizations.
The aim is to establish a care concept by the end of the 18-month project phase, which also includes training structures for physicians and counseling services for those affected.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Winfried V. Kern
Department of Infectiology
Department of Medicine II
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Phone: 0761 270-18190
Winfried.kern@uniklinik-freiburg.de
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