How can post-COVID care be improved using patient experiences with received care and perceived health? A qualitative study of focus groups with 30 patients having post-COVID in the Netherlands

Objectives To provide bottom-up guidance on improving post-COVID care using patients’ experiences with received care and their perceived health Design Qualitative study design using focus group interviews Participants 30 patients with post-COVID condition recruited through purposive sampling based on patient complexity and diversity Results Three dimensions for potential improvements of post-COVID care were identified: (1) building, supporting and maintaining patient resilience, (2) redesigning healthcare pathways to meet patient needs and (3) embedding post-COVID care in health systems and organisations. A conceptual framework that could guide improvements in post-COVID care was developed. Conclusion This study revealed several opportunities for improving and implementing post-COVID care following a person-centred approach in multidisciplinary integrated care pathways with an integrative vision of health.