A web questionnaire-based survey on post-COVID-19 condition for infectious disease specialists in Japan

Introduction: A nationwide survey was conducted to elucidate the current status and challenges of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) management in Japanese medical institutions with infectious disease specialists, as PCC remains a significant health concern about accumulating knowledge regarding its impact on quality of life. Materials and methods: Between January 18 and March 9, 2024, a web-based survey comprising up to 24 questions was administered to 880 infectious disease specialists nationwide. The survey investigated respondents' attributes and backgrounds, management experience, patient characteristics, treatment status, and PCC conditions among medical staff. Results: Responses were obtained from 465 specialists across 47 prefectures (52.8 % response rate). Among the 324 hospital-affiliated respondents, 69.7 % had experience in managing PCC, whereas only 11.2 % had dedicated specialized outpatient clinics. Most respondents reported that PCC was predominantly observed in the 18–64 age group, with 80.5 % and 51.9 % of the respondents reporting patients with symptoms lasting over 3 and 12 months, respectively. In patients with symptoms persisting over 3 months, many respondents noted that neuropsychiatric manifestations including depression and forgetfulness were common. Treatment approaches included pharmacotherapy, rehabilitation, and counseling. Additionally, 27.4 % of institutions reported PCC cases among staff, with two-thirds requiring work leave. Conclusion: Although many medical institutions with infectious disease specialists provide COVID-19 treatment, the establishment of specialized PCC outpatient clinics remains limited. This highlights the need for comprehensive long-term follow-up and support systems, particularly for healthcare workers affected by PCC, emphasizing the importance for developing effective return-to-work support systems.