The COVID-19: A Roadmap for Recovery report discusses the results from a national survey conducted by Lung Foundation Australia in 2022 to understand the experiences of Australians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of ongoing COVID-19 symptoms. The survey included people who have had COVID-19, those who have not had COVID-19, and carers, finding both similarities and significant differences in their experiences. We explored and noted the differences in experience between the general population and those living with a chronic condition, lung disease or lung cancer, and have reported the various challenges faced by different population groups.
Findings from the survey underscore the impact of acute and ongoing COVID-19 symptoms in Australia, as well as the significant mental health challenges and healthcare access issues faced during the pandemic. The report outlines several recommendations to improve recovery and support, such as funding respiratory nurses, enhancing physical activity through pulmonary rehabilitation, addressing mental health needs, strengthening of telehealth and face-to-face healthcare services, expanding the National Immunisation Program, and investing in the National Preventive Health Strategy to better prepare for future health crises.
Lung Foundation Australia’s survey and accompanying report provides new and important data for government and non-government organisations to consider. The impacts of COVID-19 on Australians will continue to be felt, and we must address the needs of the community and acknowledge that our response to COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on the lives of our population. We also have a unique opportunity to reshape the narrative and to make significant improvements to health and to advance the health system.
In 2022, Lung Foundation Australia also commissioned The George Institute for Global Health to complete a scoping literature review to look at the characteristics and impact of long COVID in people with lung disease.
Read the literature review in our Characteristics and impact of long COVID-19 in people with lung disease resource: <change to new link, but want to link to https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/characteristics-and-impact-of-long-covid-19-in-people-with-lung-disease/>
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