HOPE Programme FOR LONG COVID
Co-production is at the heart of all we do. Our most recent Hope Programme has been developed with and for people affected by long COVID. It is the latest in a series of Help Overcoming Problems Effectively (HOPE) Programme courses, underpinned by cutting-edge research.
Hope Programme for long COVID development timeline
In May 2021, part of Live well with HOPE project, funded by NHS Charities Together in conjunction with UHCW Charity, we ran a series of co-production workshops, bringing together people living with long COVID and healthcare professionals to gather their insights and build the foundations for a new self-management programme.
Following the workshops, findings arising from the discussions were written up in a report and summarised into a logic map, covering issues that lead to the challenges people face to self-manage the complex and unpredictable symptoms of long COVID. A rapid literature search was conducted using research databases to ensure an underlying evidence base for the Hope Programme. Course content was developed and uploaded onto the Hope digital platform. Proactive recruitment campaign via direct and social marketing ran from August.
On 22nd September 2021 we launched a pilot 8-week online Hope Programme with 65 participants.
The Hope Programme enables people to come together in a safe environment and engage in interactive activities. Alongside long COVID information, it encourages participants to record symptoms, track recovery and provides access to the support of trained facilitators from Atrium Health Coventry, a specialist rehabilitation centre.
A unique feature of the long COVID programme is peer support through:
interactive forum, discussion topics and newsfeed where people can share, like and support each other on the platform
optional weekly Hope Cafe Zoom sessions to meet together and share experiences
Q&A style Ask the Expert sessions with a GP, clinical psychologist and exercise specialist to ask any questions
Researchers from Centre for Intelligent Healthcare at Coventry University are evaluating the pilot Hope Programme. 58 participants on the pilot course have opted to take part in a research study to evaluate the usefulness of the course. Participants are asked to complete clinically validated measures via a questionnaires at baseline, at the end of the course (8 weeks), and at 6 months post-course.
The pilot is currently in progress and early findings are promising with 89% reporting improved mental well-being. Some of the feedback so far included:
“I think this course has everything. Well laid out, clear, user friendly, no jargon. The understanding of the difficulty of living with long-COVID comes across in the sessions. There is no judgment, just empathy. That for me is priceless.”
“Thank you for Hope, you have changed my view of life. Hope has been the defibrillator to my heart that I needed to live a better life”
Next steps
On 8th December 2021, we shared preliminary results from the evaluation of the Hope Programme for long COVID and offer some practical tips on self-management practice. Read more in our blog.
The Hope Programme for long Covid will be offered on a rolling basis until April 2023 and participants from Coventry, Warwickshire and Rugby* can self register online via Live well with Hope project website. *If you live outside this area, you can also book on the Hope Programme, but places are subject to availability.