The Care Continuum of Patients With Influenza in the Post–COVID-19 Era: A Position Paper - Scorecard - MDSpire
Advertisement
The Care Continuum of Patients With Influenza in the Post–COVID-19 Era: A Position Paper
By
Stamatis Karakonstantis
Theodore Lytras
Siran Keske
Sotirios Tsiodras
Lea Papst
Petros Ioannou
Petar Velikov
Linn Persson Berg
Giulia De Angelis
Virginie Prendki
Cornelia Adlhoch
Pasi Penttinen
Jordi Rello
Gaetan Gavazzi
Subhi Malhotra-Kumar
Chrysanthi Skevaki
Michele Slafkosky
Barbara Rath
on behalf of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Respiratory Viruses (ESGREV) and Study Group for Infections in the Elderly (ESGIE)
Clinical Scorecard: Evolving Patient Care Strategies for Influenza in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Position Statement
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Influenza and other respiratory viral infections (RVIs)
Key Mechanisms
Co-circulation of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses; patient-centered care from initial symptoms to recovery
Target Population
Patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) and suspected respiratory viral infections
Care Setting
Primary care, emergency departments, pharmacists, telehealth platforms, and outpatient/inpatient settings
Key Highlights
Post-COVID-19 pandemic phase has seen a rebound in influenza and other RVIs due to relaxation of nonpharmaceutical interventions.
Current care continuum shows deficiencies including delayed access to healthcare, fragmented care, and inadequate follow-up.
Patient journey mapping identifies critical decision points to improve diagnosis, management, and recovery in influenza care.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use diagnostic approaches to guide antiviral use, including test-and-treat versus empirical treatment strategies.
Consider co-testing for multiple respiratory viruses to inform management decisions.
Diagnostic evaluation should be prioritized for patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza.
Management
Place the patient at the center of care from first signs of ILI through recovery.
Ensure timely initiation of antiviral treatment based on diagnostic confirmation or clinical suspicion.
Utilize appropriate healthcare settings for initial patient contact, including telehealth and pharmacists, to optimize access.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Implement adequate follow-up procedures and discharge instructions after initial healthcare contact to ensure recovery.
Monitor patient outcomes to identify gaps in care and improve continuity.
Encourage research and guideline development to enhance case management and timely access to care.
Risks
Overburdening healthcare systems by in-person evaluation of all acute respiratory illness cases, especially during peak seasons.
Fragmentation of care leading to suboptimal patient outcomes.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation increasing risk of complications.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza and those presenting with influenza-like illness.
Clinical guidance emphasizes appropriate antiviral use guided by diagnostic testing; empirical treatment may be considered when testing is unavailable.
Clinical Best Practices
Map the patient journey to identify and address critical decision points affecting outcomes.
Enhance access to timely healthcare through diversified initial contact points including telehealth and pharmacists.
Develop and implement clear follow-up instructions to ensure continuity of care and recovery.
Promote consensus-building and research to fill evidence gaps in influenza management post-pandemic.
by Stamatis Karakonstantis, Theodore Lytras, Siran Keske, Sotirios Tsiodras, Lea Papst, Petros Ioannou, Petar Velikov, Linn Persson Berg, Giulia De Angelis, Virginie Prendki, Cornelia Adlhoch, Pasi Penttinen, Jordi Rello, Gaetan Gavazzi, Subhi Malhotra-Kumar, Chrysanthi Skevaki, Michele Slafkosky, Barbara Rath, on behalf of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Respiratory Viruses (ESGREV) and Study Group for Infections in the Elderly (ESGIE)
