OUTPOST Study: Uncovering the Long-Term Impact of COVID-19

The OUTPOST study aims to define the point-prevalence of Long COVID at 12-weeks post SARS Cov-2 infection versus infective (RSV A/B or Influenza A/B) and non-infective controls. The study will explore:

• How often post-COVID symptoms occur
• Which symptoms and clusters emerge
• The medical, mental health, and functional impact of these symptoms

The overall objective is to understand the point prevalence and disease burden of Long COVID and related conditions at a time when a high proportion of the population is vaccinated, has had prior infection, has access to antiviral medication, and with milder variants such as Omicron in current circulation.

This study is important as it is based in primary care where most patients with acute COVID infections are likely to seek care. It will include appropriate comparison groups to better understand the specific links of ongoing symptoms with SARS CoV-2 infection.

This study will also seek to better characterise cases of Long COVID using validated self-report measures, structured clinical assessments, and protocolised investigations. It will also include a health economic assessment and a qualitative investigation of the experience of Long COVID, including priority populations.

RAT Kit Delivery to our wonderful and supportive participating clinics and pharmacies

OUTPOST is currently partnering with 15 general practices as well as 25 pharmacies across NSW, VIC, and SA, working together to promote the study.

To register your interest in the OUTPOST study, click the link and complete the 5-minute eligibility survey: https://bit.ly/outpost-study | To find out more, visit https://www.apprise.org.au/outcomes-post-covid-the-outpost-study | or Email OUTPOST-study@unimelb.edu.au

Eligible participants receive a free TouchBio RAT test and may earn gift vouchers (up to $110) for completing online surveys at 5 time points over 48 weeks.