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In this episode I talk about the process of discharging patients from a Long Covid Clinic. Rather than an abrupt discharge, the majority of patients are offered a PIFU - this is an abbreviation of Patient Initiated Follow Up. This enables patients to get back in touch with the Long Covid clinic for up to 3-6 months, before they are formerly discharged. This is a great comfort to patients; they do not feel abandoned and discarded. Plus, it is entirely appropriate with a condition such as Long Covid that has a fluctuating and variable healing trajectory. This podcast describes the process and criteria with the PIFU and eventual discharge process.

I am Dr Tim Robinson, formerly a GP for 30 years, retired as planned at the start of the Covid pandemic. Since then I have become involved in the world of Long Covid. Currently I am GP clinical lead for Long Covid NHS in  South West England, as well as GP lead for three NHS Long Covid Services - Dorset, Bristol and South Devon. I am also Clinical Lead for Hope for the Community CIC. I have research involvement as co-investigator in a study on breathlessness in Long Covid, University of Bristol.

Long Covid Doctor is an educational series for Long Covid sufferers; each talk covers the many aspects of Long Covid, the symptoms, causes, treatments, management and expected outcomes.

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Transcripts of the individual episodes are available on:
www.LongCovidDoctor.com

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Disclaimer: Long Covid Doctor is an educational series. Any advice, diagnosis, treatments mentioned should only be considered after discussion with your own GP or qualified professional health provider.

References, links, resources:
NICE Covid-19 rapid guideline:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng188

 General resources for Long Covid recovery:
Your Covid Recovery: NHS England website self-help patient resource for symptoms information and self-management. www.yourcovidrecovery.com

Royal College of Occupational Therapists: How to manage post viral fatigue after Covid-19. www.rcot.co.uk/how-manage-post-viral-fatigue-after-covid-19-0

Specific resources for POTS:
www.potsuk.org
www.stopfainting.com