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. 2025 Dec;57(1):2516694.
doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2516694. Epub 2025 Jun 10.

Take charge after long COVID: a mixed methods randomised controlled pilot study protocol

Subbuh Luker  1   2 , Amelia Doveton  1 , Kisani Manuel  1   2 , Zoe Adey-Wakeling  1   2 , Debrah Jaggard  3 , Maria Crotty  1   2 , Ian D Cameron  4   5 , Jonathan Karnon  2 , Harry McNaughton  6 , Shahid Ullah  2 , Kate Laver  1   7
Affiliations

Take charge after long COVID: a mixed methods randomised controlled pilot study protocol

Subbuh Luker et al. Ann Med. 2025 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Post COVID-19 condition is a debilitating illness with over 200 symptoms across 10 organ systems and is presently impacting millions worldwide. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends a multidisciplinary treatment approach including person-centred self-management strategies, however evidence for specific programs is lacking. The Take Charge intervention is a person-centred, self-management rehabilitation approach that has been effective in recovery after stroke, but not yet tested in post COVID-19 condition.

Methods & analysis: A prospective, single-centre, parallel, 2 group, mixed methods, randomized controlled trial with embedded process evaluation of the Take Charge intervention in individuals living with post COVID-19 condition. Participants will be at least 18 years of age, have a confirmed diagnosis of post COVID-19 condition with ongoing symptoms, and be known to a hospital clinic for assessment and treatment of patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. The primary outcomes are the Modified COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale and the COVID-19 Core Outcome Measure for Recovery. The secondary outcomes include physical and self-report measures, and feasibility measures. Qualitative interviews will also be conducted to understand the clinicians' and participants' experiences. Statistical analysis will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis using a multivariate mixed-effect linear regression model.

Ethics & dissemination: This study adheres to the Declaration of Helsinki. This study was approved by the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 2022/SSA00695/OFR: 219.22, protocol version 3.3 19 February 2024). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and media.

Keywords: Post COVID-19 condition; SARS-COV-2; long COVID; physiatry; post-acute sequelae of COVID-19; randomised controlled; rehabilitation; rehabilitation medicine; take charge.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author H.M. was in the research team for the Take Charge after Stroke randomized trials. He has no commercial interest in Take Charge materials (they are free) or training (also free).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Study flowchart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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