Ressources
Dear Long COVID Web Community,
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Please join us in congratulating the following outstanding recipients. We are thrilled to announce the success of 22 remarkable candidates who have been selected as recipients of our highly competitive Seed Funding Competition, receiving a total of $1.35 million from LCW funding (not including any matched funding) to fuel their innovative research projects.
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The order of the recipients is organized by alphabetical order of the NPI last name.
25K Category
Title: Investigating the Inflammatory Pathways in PCC Using Machine Learning: Validation and Refinement of Predictive Models in Diverse Cohorts
NPI: Elham Dolatabadi
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Abstract: Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a complex condition with persistent symptoms beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. The causes and the body’s response, including aspects like immunity and antibody production, are not yet fully understood. Our research aims to develop and validate a machine learning model to better understand how the body responds to PCC-related pathogens using data from the CANCOV study. By analyzing demographic, clinical, and immunological data, our model can track symptoms and immune markers, achieving an accuracy of 84%. We plan to further validate this model with a new group of patients to enhance its reliability. This study could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments.
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Research Team: A. Cheung, E. Paramithiotis
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Research Keywords: post-COVID-19 condition; machine learning; immunology; inflammatory pathway
Title: Quantifying Physiological and Behavioural Markers in a Mind-Body Intervention for People Living with Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
NPI: Victor Ezeugwu
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Abstract: This study looks at how a mind-body program called the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) helps people with long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 (Long COVID) or a condition called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), both of which can cause serious tiredness that affects daily activities. We will use Garmin monitors to measure changes in daily steps, sleep, and heart health. Our goal is to see if DNRS improves the health and quality of life for people living with these conditions. We will collect data from 200 participants and analyze it to understand how well DNRS works for people with these conditions.
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Research Team: D. Gross, S. Vohra, R. Sharma
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Research Keywords: long COVID; intervention; activities; wearables
Title: Comprehensive Systematic Review of Long COVID Terminology to Aim for a National Consensus Definition of Long COVID
NPI: Grace Lam
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Abstract: Long COVID – the patient-given name – has been referred to with numerous names and definitions in the academic and lay literature. This confusion still contributes to chaotic study populations and delays in appropriate clinical assessments and management strategies, as well as in research. Building on the work of a person with lived experience, we propose a dedicated literature review to comprehensively compile and summarize the evolution of terms that have been used by both patients and academics (aim #1; current application), followed by a national consensus study to define Long COVID by Canadians, for Canadians (aim #2, future proposal).
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Research Team: A. Bhéreur, K. O'Brien, D. Gross, S. Décary,
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Research Keywords: Long COVID definition; Post COVID-19 condition; clinical definition; research definition; terminology
Title: Exploring Creatine Supplementation for Improved Exercise Capacity and Reduced Fatigue in Long COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NPI: Keely Shaw
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Abstract: Some individuals who contract the COVID-19 virus continue to experience symptoms for months following acute infection, referred to as Post-COVID-Condition (PCC). Research has found reduced concentrations of creatine in those living with PCC, which may contribute to some of the symptoms experienced. Given the role creatine plays in the bioenergetics of various tissues, supplemental creatine has the potential to improve symptoms of PCC such as reduced exercise capacity and brain fog. The objective of the proposed research is to assess the efficacy of 8-weeks of creatine supplementation on measures of exercise tolerance and fatigue in those living with PCC.
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Research Team: J. Shearer, P. Chilibeck, V. Ellis
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Research Keywords: post-exertional malaise; exercise testing; chronic fatigue; metabolomics; creatine
50K Category
Title: Improving quality of care within the Quebec Learning Health System for Long COVID
NPI: Simon Décary
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Abstract: The Quebec Learning Health System for Long COVID is an integrated care model of 15 clinical teams. Although interdisciplinary clinicians do their best, patients report disparities in quality of care. We will solve this issue by designing and delivering two knowledge mobilization interventions targeting clinical behaviours associated with quality LC care and assess the impact on satisfaction, knowledge, intention to change clinical behaviours, determinants of change and adoption of behaviours. We will collect data before, after and three months after a 2-hour online course and each of the 8x1-hr ECHO webinars with home-based questionnaires, knowledge tests and the CPD-Reaction questionnaire.
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Research Team: A. LeBlanc, I. Gaboury, M. Sasseville, A. Bhéreur, J. Pinard, A. Piché, E. L. Falcone, T. Huynh, A.-A. Saindon, M.-È. Poitras, Y. Tousignant-Laflamme, M.-F. Coutu, M.-J. Durand, A. Cheung, C. Ho, S. Law, K. Quinn, A. Levin
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Research Keywords: long COVID, quality of care; knowledge mobilization intervention; clinical behaviours; recommendations
Title: Examining Long COVID Symptom Amplification Following COVID-19 Vaccination
NPI: Tiff-Annie Kenny
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Abstract: This study examines why some Long COVID patients experience symptom exacerbation following COVID-19 vaccination. Despite vaccine efficacy, about 10-20% of these patients report worsened symptoms post-vaccination. Our research aims to quantify and detail these exacerbations, identifying specific symptoms, clinical manifestations, and patient narratives. Activities include a systematic literature review, social media analysis, and analysis of biological and immunological data from a pilot patient registry, developed alongside major Long COVID initiatives in Canada. This comprehensive approach will provide insights to enhance healthcare strategies for affected individuals and lay the groundwork for future research into this critical aspect of vaccine safety and Long COVID prevention and management.
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Research Team: A. Cheung, S. Décary, M. Vivion, È. Dubé
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Research Keywords: vaccination; adverse event following immunization (AEFI); vaccine safety; symptom exacerbation
Title: Impact of Post-COVID-19 Condition on the Canadian healthcare workforce: A Living Evidence Synthesis and Agent-Based Modelling Project
NPI: Julian Little
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Abstract: This project studies PCC effects on Canadian healthcare workers. Funded by a CIHR grant, we initiated and have conducted 3 iterations of a living review and used modelling to understand how PCC impacts worker health, productivity, and retention. Early findings show a wide range of symptom prevalence and substantial effects on work. Additional funds would support the inclusion of more complete and higher-quality data on the effects of omicron and subsequent variants and exploring return-to-work barriers and facilitators. This would improve prediction of healthcare system impacts and better inform policy. The goal is to provide important insights that can help policymakers in healthcare planning and resource allocation.
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Research Team: A. Bhéreur, J. Edwards, R. Geneau, C. Mann, W. Laframboise, G. Groot, A. M. Rafferty, S. Hughes, E. Rafferty, R. McQuillan, E. Theodoratou, A. Al-Jaishi, M. S. Khan, E. Collins, N. Shaver, L. Lamp
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Research Keywords: post COVID-19 condition; Healthcare Workers; Living evidence synthesis; modelling; PROGRESS+
Title: Associations between chronic health conditions and Long COVID symptoms and the role of vaccination status: Results from the Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey 2022, 2023 cycles
NPI: Nazeem Muhajarine
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Abstract: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global health crisis, impacting millions of lives and stretching the resources of healthcare systems worldwide. While acute infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been extensively studied, the long-term consequences of COVID-19 (referred as Post-COVID-Condition [PCC]) are still being explored. By using Statistics Canada’s ‘Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey’ data this study will explore the prevalence and intensity of PCC among Canadians, which will further explore the role of pre-existing chronic health conditions and vaccination status. Findings from this analysis will be valuable for developing targeted management strategies and improving patient outcomes.
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Research Team: S. Ahmed, G. Groot, G. Halas, D. Sanchez-Ramirez, A. Gruneir, P. Cherrett
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Research Keywords: post-COVID-condition; chronic disease; vaccine; CCAHS; modeling
Title: Assessing Mental Health Challenges and Post-Covid Condition Among Adults: A Sequential Exploratory Mixed Methods Investigation
NPI: Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
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Abstract: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms months after infection. Currently, information regarding how COVID-19 impacts the lived experiences of adults with mental health challenges from racialized communities is poorly understood. Using the ICF disability framework, this study seeks to understand how post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) impacts the lives of ethnically diverse adults with mental health challenges, including school, employment, leisure activities, and life participation. Using the ICF disability framework, our team will gather quantitative data (using questionnaires) and qualitative data (using interviews) from participants to understand their intersecting experiences of PCC, mental health, and marginalization.
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Research Team: D.-L. Lamptey, C. J. Maddison, K. Flowers, V. Ezeugwu, G. Maina
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Research Keywords: mental health challenges; adult; long-covid; ethnicity; race
Title: Immunobiology of Long Covid-Immune system gone haywire?
NPI: Mario Ostrowski
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Abstract: The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues with accumulated 769 million cases, and 6.9 million deaths globally, and although rates have dropped, increased SARS-CoV-2 infections in the fall of 2024 are predicted. Long Covid is characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction and other symptoms, impacts everyday functioning, and has been reported in at least 10% of individuals recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite vaccination, and new variants, the cumulative burden of long covid continues to increase. A recent report found that at 2 years, long COVID contributed to 80 and 642 disability adjusted life years/1000 persons in non-hospitalized and hospitalized persons, respectively. The economic costs of long COVID has been estimated at 2.6 trillion USD. Effective treatments would only be facilitated by understanding the basic pathogenesis of long COVID. This grant aims to understand the immunological mechanism of long COVID using translational immunology of a large cohort of subjects through the CanCoV cohort. Bridge funding is requested in order to expedite the research proposed to urgently address these needs.
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Research Team: A. Cheung
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Research Keywords: long COVID; SARS-CoV-2; t cells; b cells; EBV; herpes viruses
Title: The Cognitive Profile of COVID-19: Determining Longitudinal Neuropsychological Outcomes Following Infection
NPI: Theone Paterson
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Abstract: Many individuals with Long-COVID report ongoing cognitive difficulties (e.g., attention and concentration problems). Our longitudinal follow-up study aims to identify affected cognitive domains, track cognitive changes over time, and identify risk factors for poorer long-term cognitive outcomes. Findings will inform clinicians (e.g., neurologists, rehabilitation specialists), on expectations for trajectory of recovery, and on how to optimally develop/deploy services in Canada, with relevance to neurological care services. Results will help ensure secondary cognitive impacts of infection are appropriately addressed, so those affected are able to most efficiently resume complex daily activities requiring cognitive effort (e.g., employment, academic pursuits).
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Research Team: K. Gicas, M. Garcia-Barrera, V. Goghari, A. Troyer, M. Binns, W. Panenka, S. Goulding, K. Lalji, A. Levin
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Research Keywords: neuropsycholog; cognition; psychosocial functioning; neurological symptoms; post-COVID condition (PCC)
Title: Provider perspectives on the Acceptability, perceived Risks/benefits, And potential Barriers/facilitators to the use of COVID-19 antiviraLs among non-hypoxic symptomatic hospitalized Adults (PARABOLA)
NPI: Kieran Quinn
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Abstract: Recent evidence suggests prescribing COVID-19 antivirals nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury) to hospitalized adults with COVID-19 to reduce the chance of developing several cardiovascular (CV) post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) such as heart failure, and stroke. However, these antivirals are not routinely prescribed to patients hospitalized for other reasons while testing positive for COVID-19. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, we aim to explore physician and pharmacist perspectives on the acceptability, perceived risks/benefits, and potential barriers/facilitators to using these antivirals. Our goal is to better understand the decision-making process involved in prescribing these medications. The results will improve care of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who are at high-risk of developing long-term PASC.
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Research Team: S. Goulding, L. Graves, D. Bowdish, A. Cheung, R. Fowler, P. Hebert, D. Lee, S. Ginsburg, M. Taljaard, J. Johnstone, A. Verma, F. Razak, Panganiban, J. Boyle, S. Abeygunawardena, J. Lapp
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Research Keywords: provider perspective; post-acute sequelae of COVID-19; nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid); remdesivir (Veklury); SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Title: SocialEcho - Social acceptability and co-creation of an automated data collection and analysis of clinical encounter
NPI: Maxime Sasseville
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Abstract: A framework for automated data collection and analysis from clinical encounters would integrate seamlessly into the clinical context and enables a holistic assessment. The aim of this project is to 1) co-develop and 2) pilot the implementation of a socially acceptable data collection and analysis structure of clinical encounters for patients with long COVID. The project follows a mixed design in two phases: 1) co-creation approach involving citizen users, professionals, managers and researchers to ensure that the components are in tune with their reality (n=12 to 16) 2) pilot implementation and evaluation of the framework through long COVID follow-up clinics.
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Research Team: S. Décary, L. Annie, G. Marie-Pierre, C. Vincent
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Research Keywords: automated data collection; patient-centred measurement; clinical settings; co-creation; pilot study
Title: Advancing Long-COVID Biomarker Development in Canada: Integrating Transcriptomics and Stakeholder Perspectives
NPI: Scott Tebbutt
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Abstract: Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) affects many Canadians, causing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, which hinder daily activities. Our pilot study with young, non-hospitalized paramedics with PCC, identified 73 genes linked to autoimmunity, platelet function, neutrophil activation, and viral persistence. These results support our initial hypotheses about the PCC pathophysiological model. We plan to validate these findings in the Canadian COVID-19 Prospective Cohort Study (CANCOV) to advance PCC biomarker development and better understand its causes. By integrating patients' and clinicians’ insights, our research aims to develop diagnostic tools that incorporate their expectations for current and future biomarker research.
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Research Team: E. Espín, A. Cheung, C. Yang, L. Lapp, J. Leung, C. Herman
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Research Keywords: biomarkers; PCC; long-COVID; stakeholders; autoimmunity
Title: Is the dynamic integrated regulation of the autonomic, cardiovascular, respiratory, and brain oxygenation impaired in people experiencing Long-Covid following postural transitions? Time matters.
NPI: Rodrigo Villar
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Abstract: Long COVID (LC) is a complex, multisystem debilitating condition with no current validated treatment, affecting ~10-15% of the world's population. Our hypothesis posits that Long COVID disrupts the integrated dynamic regulation of the autonomic, cardiovascular, respiratory systems, affecting O2 delivery/utilization to the brain, homeostasis, and function, warranting investigation. To address this hypothesis, cardiovascular and respiratory physiological variables and brain oxygenation will be measured during postural transitions involving 10 minutes of lying in a bed and 5 minutes seated in a chair, followed by standing for up to 7 minutes. Our ultimate goal is to inform diagnostic and interventions to improve clinical outcomes for LC patients.
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Research Team: D. Sanchez-Ramirez, H. Edgell
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Research Keywords: long COVID; autonomic regulation; cardiovascular regulation; brain oxygenation; orthostatic stress
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100K Category
Title: Enhancing the Person and Family-Centered Nature of Long COVID Care for Adults
NPI: Jill Cameron
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Abstract: People with Long COVID (PwLC) report being unsatisfied with the supports they receive to manage their various and fluctuating symptoms. The needs of family members supporting PwLC requires attention. Person and family centered care (PFCC) has the potential to improve the support PwLC and family members receive from the health care system. The aim of this study is to qualitatively explore the experiences and preferences of PwLC, their family members, and health care professionals for receiving and providing PFCC and to co-design a model of care that prioritizes person and family centeredness.
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Research Team: K. O’Brien, K. Kokorelias, J. Sessford, M. Premnazeer,O. Scali, D. Goodridge, D. Gross, S. Rotenberg, H. Singhm, A. Cheung, G. Lam, C. Ho, M. Wasilewski, K. Quinn, J. Leighton, S. Law, K. McDuff, A. Rendely, M. DiLauro, L. Ruggiero, F. Wolfe, K. Churchill, J. Seguin, S. Golding, M. Rutledge, H. Wright, M. Ornstein
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Research Keywords: person and family centered care; caregiver; qualitative; co-design; Long COVID
Title: NeuroCOVID19: Prospective Neuroimaging of Post-COVID19 Condition
NPI: Simon Graham
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Abstract: In Canada, the lingering symptoms of Post-COVID19 Condition (PCC) or “long COVID” have disrupted the health of many people, making them unable to perform activities of daily living and/or return to work. Common symptoms of PCC suggest that the virus impacts the brain. We are requesting funds to undertake a brain imaging study called "NeuroCOVID19”, to identify the brain regions impacted by PCC and link them to molecular markers of brain disease measured in the blood. This will help medical doctors as they work to develop patient-specific treatments for PCC, ultimately improving the health of many Canadians.
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Research Team: Sekuler, Schweizer, Churchill, MacIntosh, Roudaia, Rotstein, Black, Cheung, Fischer, Heyn, Masellis, L. Boyd, B. Goodyear, N. Rajah
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Research Keywords: post-COVID-19 Condition; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; EEG; Blood Biomarkers
Title: Identifying the experiences and needs of Fort Smith Métis with Long COVID
NPI: Gary Groot
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Abstract: We will work with Métis peoples in the Fort Smith (NWT) area to help build better healthcare services for those diagnosed with Long Covid. Currently, we do not have a good understanding of how LC has affected Métis peoples nor what their needs are. Because they are an underserved group with unique needs it is important to understand this. Through working alongside the Métis community, and Métis persons with LC, we will learn about their experiences with LC and what services and supports are needed to improve their health and assist in planning for the future health of the people.
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Research Team: N. Labine, J. Lepine, M. D. Vega, T. Brock, R. Hewitt, C. Racette, R. J. Morin
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Research Keywords: Métis; northern; interview; Indigenous
Title: Effect of COVID-19 vaccination on long Covid: a population-based cohort study
NPI: Victoria Kirsh
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Abstract: Weak or waning humoral response in tandem with the emergence of new viral variants, capable of potentially escaping immune response, lead to a continued risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A major challenge for Covid-19 vaccination is the generation of durable protective immunity particularly given nearly 7 percent of those infected have experienced Long Covid. Vaccine effectiveness against long Covid will be evaluated among 22,120 participants aged 22 to 93 years (mean=61.9 years) in the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath), a pan-Canadian population-based cohort study. Covid-19 questionnaires and serial dried blood spots were collected at up to three timepoints between 2021 and 2023. Blood samples were tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Participants have consented to linkage with administrative health databases, thereby enabling us to collect clinical data to complement the self-reported health and lifestyle information that has already been collected, and to study Long Covid.
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Research Team: P. Awadalla, J. Brooks
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Research Keywords: vaccine effectiveness; long Covid; Covid wave
Title: Socio-economic and healthcare impacts of post COVID-19 condition in Canada
NPI: Ellen Rafferty
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Abstract: Recent research estimates that approximately 11% of Canadian adults (3.5 million) are suffering from post COVID-19 condition (PCC) with 79% of patients experiencing persistent symptoms for more than six months, and 42% for more than one year. Research has estimated the impact of PCC on public health care system and workforce; however, little is known about the patient-level socio-economic and healthcare impacts of PCC. Therefore, our analysis aims to estimate both (1) paid and unpaid workforce productivity (i.e., caregiving, volunteering and education) and (2) public and private (i.e., paramedical services) healthcare utilization on PCC patients in Canada.
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Research Team: M. Paulden, N. Osgood, D. Wolitski, J. Mee, R. Harkema, C. Forrester, J. Borsa
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Research Keywords: post-COVID-19 condition; socio-economic burden; healthcare costs; patient-level costs
Title: An Intersectional Analysis of People with Long COVID’s Access to and Experiences of Virtual Healthcare
NPI: Julia Smith
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Abstract: Building on previous research projects – on access to information for people with Long COVID and on virtual healthcare – this project aims to better understand how people with Long COVID perceive and experience virtual healthcare. Through a mixed methods approach – including a survey, focus groups and deliberative dialogues – it will: 1) Apply an intersectional framework to identify enablers and barriers to the access and quality of Long COVID virtual healthcare; 2) Provide recommendations for the continuation and uptake of equity-based virtual care delivery. Outcomes will include improved health services and patient orientated research for people with Long COVID.
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Research Team: K. Byers, K. Jaimeson, H. Naik, A. Pham, R Tesfaye
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Research Keywords: equity; intersectionality; access; health systems; virtual
Title: Dissecting the multi-omics landscape of post-COVID-19 chronic pain and neurological conditions
NPI: Sirui Zhou
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Abstract: Post-COVID Condition (PCC) is defined as new, recurring, or persistent health problems six weeks after initial infection, leading to a decline in quality of life and a global health concern. Approximately 30-60% of the patients experience symptoms of PCC - ranging from fatigue to neuropsychiatric problems. Our proposed project leverages comprehensive proteomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic and genomic data from the largest COVID-19 biobank in Canada (BQC19) and other pan-Canadian cohorts, aiming to identify actionable biomarkers which will allow us to elucidate the etiology of debilitating subtypes of PCC including neurological disorders and chronic pain, and, eventually, point to new therapeutic targets.
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Research Team: L. Diatchenko, M.-A. Fitzcharles
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Research Keywords: proteomics; metabolomics; neurological disorders; chronic pain; post-COVID-19
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