A Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) Clinic in Rural New England

Abstract

This article explores the demand and utilization of a rural post-acute COVID syndrome clinic. Electronic health records were used to identify referrals between April 2021 and April 2022 and to describe characteristics of referred patients and referrals generated to specialty services. Of the 747 referrals received, 363 (48.6%) met the criteria for an appointment and were seen, the vast majority (89.6%) via Telehealth. Most patients resided in rural communities (63.1%) and were female (75.2%); mean age was 49, and 17% were hospitalized during their acute illness. Nearly half of patients (49%) had at least one pre-existing mental health diagnosis. Referrals to specialty care for further evaluation and/or intervention were most commonly to occupational therapy (27.3%), physical therapy (24.8%), psychiatry (19.8%), and neurology (17%). Telehealth expanded the availability of health care resources. Additional research on how to meet care needs, ameliorate symptoms, and aid recovery in rural communities is warranted.