A biopsychosocial framework for recovery from COVID-19

Abstract

PurposeThis paper proposes a biopsychosocial (BPS) analysis of COVID-19 experiences which enhances understanding of complex and interrelated factors and leads to the proposition of a BPS recovery framework.Design/methodology/approachOnline narrative research was used to explore people's experiences of COVID-19 and was conducted over a four-month period. The call was distributed via a short open-ended qualitative online survey advertised on social media platforms and 305 responses came from across England.FindingsThe findings illustrate people with a narrow range of BPS characteristics experienced over a wide range of BPS impacts which are nuanced, complex and dynamic. Left unaddressed these may create future adverse BPS characteristics. An integrated BPS framework for recovery is proposed to avoid such further negative outcomes from the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample contained a bias in age, gender and living arrangements.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a clear framework to enable integrated holistic recovery/regrowth planning.Social implicationsUsing the framework would reduce social and health inequities which have been recently deepened by COVID-19 in the long-term.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its use of a BPS analytical framework.

The need for exercise sciences and an integrated response to COVID-19: A position statement from the international HL-PIVOT network

“… 49 , 50 Both the disease itself and the lockdown measures taken to combat it may have significant impacts on the mental and social wellbeing of people, as well as their physical wellbeing. 51 As people live with the impacts of the disease for longer clinicians are increasingly understanding the need for interprofessional health responses, bringing medicine and allied health practice together in rehabilitative processes. 52 Beyond the biological impacts, models such as the biopsychosocial framework consider the interaction of the psychological and social impacts in those that have contracted the virus, and those living within imposed measures to control transmission.…”

“…National approaches using this framework emphasize the need for integrated and holistic approaches to meet the broad needs of the population who are experiencing difficulty with the imposed disease control measures. 51 To date, data collected from >13,000 participants from the United Kingdom highlight the biological, psychological, and social determinants that must be considered in response to the increasing global challenge. A range of biological issues was reported in relation to worsening health conditions (blood pressure, diabetes, and epidermal conditions).…”

The perception of biopsychosocial impacts of COVID-19 during lockdown restrictions over time in the UK – a mixed methods study

“…The survey included a quantitative, closed question, using a 5x5 table and ordinal variable, Likert scale (5-1). The BPS objective measures were created from findings of the researchers' first study, which was a biopsychosocial (BPS) axis regarding the first COVID-19 lockdown [4]. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, it was thought important to investigate the biopsychosocial impact of the pandemic across the various stages from a self-perception stance.…”

“…As time progresses, the scale, depth, and inequity of the impact of these changes are becoming more apparent [1,2,3]. The research team conducted qualitative research to explore the effects on people of COVID-19 and associated control measures throughout the first two lockdowns [4]. This provided us with a firm understanding of the impacts and highlighted that these had biological, psychological, and social elements, expressly a biopsychosocial impact.…”

“…The first phase of the research team's research [4] indicated the existence of impacts in each BPS domain and also the relationships between them. New biological issues emerged as people contracted the disease, and pre-existing illnesses were exacerbated (e.g., blood pressure, IBS, diabetes).…”