Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jan 22, 2026
Date Accepted: Mar 16, 2026
Care pathways and patient experiences among patients with post COVID-19 condition: study protocol for a mixed-methods study in Germany
ABSTRACT
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has a lasting impact on health care utilization, as both the acute infection and post COVID condition (PCC) can lead to increased demand for medi-cal services due to ongoing symptoms.
Objective:
The aim of the study is to systematically describe health care utilization among patients after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a special focus on PCC, in order to improve the understanding of both objective care pathways and patients’ subjective experiences.
Methods:
The research project ‘SOLongCOVID’ employs a mixed-methods design consisting two subprojects: (1) a retrospective cohort study using claims data from the Bavarian Asso-ciation of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians to analyze care pathways through state se-quence analysis, (2) a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups with PCC patients concerning their subjective care experiences. A synthesis process involving a focus group discussion will combine the information from the two subprojects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the care processes of PCC patients.
Results:
The results are expected to characterize health care utilization patterns and care pathways after SARS-CoV-2 infection and to identify barriers and gaps in care for patients with post COVID condition.
Conclusions:
This study will provide an integrated understanding of health care utilization and patient experiences after SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting barriers in current care pathways and informing evidence-based improvements for patients with post COVID condition.
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