The Advantages of an Integrative Approach in the Primary Healthcare of Post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS Patients

Abstract

The coronavirus disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed not only global epidemiological and economic developments but also the lives of every individual, with particular severity for patients. The number of acute illness cases grew rapidly, significantly increasing the workload of hospitals, and simultaneously, new chronic diseases emerged, such as persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome (PPCS), with unclear etiology, symptoms, and complexity—similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Accordingly, the burden of chronic diseases poses new long-term challenges for primary healthcare and requires new approaches to patient care. This chapter provides insight into the integrative approach to healthcare and focuses on potentially new solutions by implementing an integrative attitude to the treatment of post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS patients in primary healthcare. Integrative health coaching contributes the holistic approach to patients’ overall health and resilience through cognitive practice and patient active engagement. The findings of this chapter can enrich the person-centered approach and healthcare system strengthening through holistic measures and systems thinking.

Coaching to strengthen critical success factors in integrative care for chronic fatigue patients: the Patient Needs-Resources Model

“…In this context, and in light of the authors' performed recent research on the advantages of an integrative approach in the primary healthcare of post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS patients (Araja et al, 2023), the authors suggest that coaching is important in working with chronic fatigue patients. A case study analysis demonstrates significant improvements in the health status of ME/CFS and post-COVID-19 patients assessed by the EuroQol-5D-5L tool (Araja et al, 2023).…”

“…In this context, and in light of the authors' performed recent research on the advantages of an integrative approach in the primary healthcare of post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS patients (Araja et al, 2023), the authors suggest that coaching is important in working with chronic fatigue patients. A case study analysis demonstrates significant improvements in the health status of ME/CFS and post-COVID-19 patients assessed by the EuroQol-5D-5L tool (Araja et al, 2023). Current evidence, produced by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, suggests also that health coaching could reduce blood pressure, improve dietary behaviors, and increase selfefficacy and awareness among patients in the example of hypertension (Meng et al, 2023) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (Verma et al, 2022).…”

Swept under the carpet: a qualitative study of patient perspectives on Long COVID, treatments, services, and mental health

“…While Long COVID-specific treatments and services are required, gains made in this area may find applications beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrated care has been called for to address Long COVID and other conditions with similar manifestations [ 40 , 41 ]. Needs-based self-management interventions have also been recommended [ 42 ], which might align with participants’ expressed need for support in managing their condition and everyday activities.…”

Integrative approach as a dormant element of integrated healthcare

“…In this context, the authors of the current abstract conducted a case study involving a coach in the healthcare process of myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long-COVID patients, and obtained significantly positive results [4]. For these diagnoses, there are also publications on the results obtained using complementary medicine and different types of cognitive and exercise practices.…”