Patient-provider relationships and long COVID: A cross-sectional survey about impact on quality of life

Background: In the United States (U.S.), it is estimated that 17.6 % of adults have experienced Long COVID, a condition where symptoms newly develop and linger after initial COVID-19 infection. Long COVID is associated with significantly reduced quality of life (QoL), and patient-provider relationships have been shown to influence QoL for patients in general. Objective: The objective for this study was to better understand the role of patient-provider relationships in shaping QoL among U.S. adults with Long COVID. Methods: This study carried out an online survey among U.S. adult with Long COVID (N = 792). Results: Respondents with at least a bachelor's degree reported higher QoL, and older respondents were more likely to report lower QoL; trust in providers was a significant predictor of higher QoL, while dismissal of Long COVID symptoms was associated with lower QoL (all p < .05). Conclusions: Healthcare providers should be aware of the importance of trust in the relationship with their Long COVID patients and the impact this may have on patients' QoL. Researchers and policy makers should include an increasing focus on training for providers who treat patients with Long COVID in order to strengthen patient- provider relationships.