Consequences of Post-COVID and QFS: Impact on Care and Support

Post-COVID and QFS (Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome) have profound consequences for people's health, relationships, work, and sense of purpose. It is therefore essential to understand what types of care and support are needed to help those affected. Researchers from Centre of Expertise Health Innovation are investigating how people with these conditions experience daily life and the existential and societal challenges they face. These insights will help ensure that solutions are better aligned with real-world needs. Experiential knowledge is central to the project, and patients are actively involved throughout the research process. This contributes to more person-centered, inclusive, and equitable care.

Background

Many people living with post-COVID and QFS experience misunderstanding, social exclusion, and fragmented healthcare. Certain groups—including older adults, people with a practical or vocational educational background, people with a migration background, and those who are housebound or bedridden—face additional barriers and multiple, overlapping vulnerabilities.

While much research focuses on the medical aspects of these conditions, relatively little attention has been paid to their existential and societal impact. This project addresses that gap by providing municipalities and organisations with practical guidance for developing more appropriate, person-centered, and inclusive care and support.

Objective

The aim of this research project is to gain a deeper understanding of the existential and societal consequences of post-COVID and QFS, while also identifying ways to better align care and support with the lived realities of patients and their loved ones.

Many of us know people whose lives have been profoundly affected by post-COVID or QFS. This project sheds light on what often remains invisible to outsiders. By truly listening to patients' stories, we can make care and support more responsive and more humane.

- Liesbeth Geuze (Principal Investigator)

Method

The project combines social media analysis, creative expressions, in-depth interviews, and a literature review. This innovative mixed-methods approach provides both broad and in-depth insights into the lived experiences of patients. The creative works produced during the project will also be showcased in a travelling exhibition.

Results

The findings from this multifaceted research project will be translated into recommendations for municipalities, professional publications, and scientific outputs. In addition, a travelling exhibition featuring patients' creative works and personal stories will be developed, making the impact of post-COVID and QFS tangible and emotionally engaging for both the general public and students.

A striking example of one of these artworks is shown below, created by Jos van der Zee.

Impact

The project aims to generate impact in two key areas. First, it seeks to raise public awareness of the consequences of post-COVID and QFS. Second, it supports municipalities and health and social care organisations in better aligning care and support with the everyday realities of patients.

The research has already led to new collaborations, the establishment of a patient co-creation group, and follow-up research initiatives. It also offers valuable opportunities for students to become familiar with inclusive and innovative research methods, including the use of creative expression, patient participation, and social media analysis. In doing so, the project contributes to interprofessional, future-proof education on complex health challenges that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

More Information

The project has been featured on the C-support website and in newsletters published by C-support and Q-support.

Duration

The project started in spring 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Collaboration

The project is conducted in collaboration with C-support, Q-support, and the Post-COVID Network Netherlands (PCNN).

Team

The research team consists of senior researchers Liesbeth Geuze, Tsjitske Haanstra, Roos van der Vaart, and Mark Vondenhoff.

The project is supported by professors Luc de Witte (Technology for Healthcare), Yvonne van Zaalen (Relational Care), Jorit Meesters (Rehabilitation and Technology), and Joke Korevaar (Oncological Care).

Contact

• Liesbeth Geuze (Principal Investigator): [email protected]
• Luc de Witte (Lead Professor, Centre of Expertise Health Innovation): [email protected]