Health Care Continuum Research Articles

The Underestimated Role of the Sports Psychiatrist in Athletic Performance Restoration, Maintenance, and Enhancement in Sports

ABSTRACTIn competitive and elite sports, mental health and athletic performance cannot be considered separately. Mental disorders in sports are bidirectionally associated with reduced athletic performance. A decline in performance, both within and outside of sport, can be a sign of mental disorder. Additionally, poor athletic performance is a potential risk factor for mental disorders in athletes. The central role sports psychiatrists play in the mental health of athletes is well‐established. However, their role in athletic performance is less well‐described and more controversial, perhaps due to a perception that performance is purely a secondary outcome of good mental health. This paper discusses the role that sports psychiatrists can play in athletic performance within competitive and elite sports. Performance can be distinguished into three key focus areas for sports psychiatrists: (i) performance restoration, (ii) performance maintenance, and (iii) performance enhancement. These should be considered throughout the continuum of mental health care, from prevention, treatment, to ongoing care for mental disorders. When reduced performance is due to a mental disorder, psychiatric treatment should purposefully aim to restore functioning and performance as part of management. Maintenance of performance is, similarly, an important element of the prevention, psychiatric treatment, and ongoing care of mental disorders. Holistic sports psychiatrists may also choose to aim for athletic performance enhancement beyond the context of mental health symptoms and disorders, to help athletes flourish and achieve their goals.

SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Clinical Outcomes of Special Populations: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted special populations, including immunocompromised individuals, people living with HIV (PLWHIV), pediatric patients, and those with chronic liver disease (CLD). This scoping review aims to map the clinical outcomes of these vulnerable groups when infected with various SARS-CoV-2 variants. The review identifies trends and patterns, noting that early variants, such as Alpha and Delta, are associated with more severe outcomes, including higher hospitalization and mortality rates. In contrast, the Omicron variant, despite its increased transmissibility, tends to cause milder clinical manifestations. The review highlights the necessity for ongoing surveillance and tailored healthcare interventions due to the heterogeneity of patient populations and the evolving nature of the virus. Continuous monitoring and adaptive healthcare strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on these high-risk groups.

Patient held medical records in public hospitals in Bulawayo

The purpose of the study was to examine the use and handling of PHMRs by patients and the clinical staff at public hospitals in the Bulawayo Province. The study employed a qualitative research methodology in which open ended questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were collected from doctors, nurses, records clerks and patients at 2 of the 4 targeted major public hospitals in Bulawayo, giving a total of 150 participants. This study revealed that PHMRs contained vital patient health information such as diagnosis, patient name, and prescribed medications. PHMRs did not have an official uniform structure, and patients used whatever booklets that were affordable to them. In some cases, patients used pieces of paper, although this was not encouraged. PHMRs were considered as legal records that are admissible in courts of law on the basis of them being authenticated by dating, officially stamped and signed by the attending medical practitioner. However, there were cases of unlawful manipulation of PHMRs through editing by patients, and in some cases, documentation incompleteness of the PHMR. The study further found out that the biggest challenge faced in the use of PHMRs was their loss by patients, which negatively impacted health care service delivery. The study recommends that patients be continuously educated about the importance of, and effectively managing their PHMRs for the purposes of continued health care delivery and accessibility. The study further recommended the use of structured hospital-designed booklets that patients can purchase at the hospital. This would avoid the use of any type of book/booklets and pieces of paper. The Ministry of Health and Child Health Care in Zimbabwe needs to consider introducing personalised electronic health records as alternatives to physical PHMRs.

Sociodemographic disparities in postnatal care coverage at comprehensive health centers in Hamedan City.

Postnatal care (PNC) is a crucial component of continuous healthcare and can be influenced by sociodemographic factors. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic disparities in PNC coverage in Hamedan City. In this cross-sectional study, we utilized existing data recorded in the Health Integrated System of Hamedan City, located in Iran, from 2020 to 2021. The study population consisted of 853 women who were over 15 years old and had given birth within the past 42 days. The Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software was used to evaluate the socioeconomic inequalities in PNC coverage. Overall, 531 (62.3%) of the women received three postnatal visits. The absolute concentration index (ACI) indicates that women aged 20-35 years, illiterate women, housewives, insured individuals, and urban residents experience a higher magnitude of inequality in PNC coverage. The negative values of the ACI suggest that the health index is concentrated among disadvantaged groups, with educational level inequalities being more pronounced than those related to age. Postnatal care coverage among mothers was relatively adequate; however, sociodemographic inequalities existed in the utilization of PNC services. It is recommended that policymakers make efforts to increase access to PNC services for mothers from low socio-economic groups.

Tenfold Increase: Acute Pediatric Mastoiditis Before, During, and After COVID-19 Restrictions.

Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a relatively rare complication arising from acute otitis media, a common condition among children. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted AM cases. We noted a surge in pediatric AM cases in Germany after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2022. This study assesses AM incidence and the clinical course in children before, during, and after the pandemic. The study also explores complication rates and microbial changes. Participants: We included children (0-18 yr) diagnosed with AM who underwent mastoidectomy at a tertiary-care university hospital from January 2012 to June 2023.Objectives: We aimed to evaluate AM incidence during pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID periods; assess complications; and analyze the microbial spectrum.Data Analysis: Incidence and complication rates were compared between periods, along with the microbial spectrum. Population: 75 children were included (median age, 3.3 yr).Incidence: Significant increases in AM cases occurred in the post-COVID period compared to pre-COVID and COVID periods. No significant difference was observed between pre-COVID and COVID periods.Complications: Complication rates increased notably in the post-COVID period compared to pre-COVID and COVID periods with respect to more sensitive imaging methods being used in the post-COVID period. No significant difference was observed between pre-COVID and COVID periods.Spectrum of Pathogens: No significant differences were found in pathogen distribution between periods. Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae were common throughout. The study highlights a substantial rise in AM cases and complications after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Germany. This underscores the importance of monitoring infectious diseases and their complications during health crises. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of contrast-enhanced imaging. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind this trend. The study reveals a significant increase in pediatric AM cases and complications following the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Adequate computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging, including contrast enhancement, is shown to be a very important parameter beside clinical symptoms in deciding for the right therapy. Thus, surgical treatment became more important. Continuous monitoring and adaptive healthcare strategies during health crises are vital for optimal patient care. Further research is warranted to understand the reasons behind these trends and to inform future pandemic preparedness efforts.

1926-LB: Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Health Care Resource Utilization in Patients with Diabetes Treated with Sulfonylureas/Meglitinides

1926-LB: Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Health Care Resource Utilization in Patients with Diabetes Treated with Sulfonylureas/Meglitinides

National Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Suicide Attempts and Intentional Self-Harm.

This study estimated national annual trends and characteristics of emergency department visits for suicide attempts and intentional self-harm in the United States from 2011 to 2020. Data were from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, an annual cross-sectional national sample survey of emergency departments. Visits for suicide attempts and intentional self-harm were identified using discharge diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM for 2011-2015; ICD-10-CM for 2016-2020) or reason-for-visit codes. The annual proportion of emergency department visits for suicide attempts and intentional self-harm was estimated. The weighted number of emergency department visits for suicide attempts and intentional self-harm increased from 1.43 million, or 0.6% of total emergency department visits, in 2011-2012 to 5.37 million, or 2.1% of total emergency department visits in 2019-2020 (average annual percent change, 19.5%, 95% CI=16.9, 22.2). Visits per capita increased from 261 to 871 visits per 100,000 persons (average annual percent change, 18.8%, 95% CI=17.6, 20.0). The increase in visits was widely distributed across sociodemographic groups. While suicide attempt and intentional self-harm visits were most common among adolescents, adults age 65 or older demonstrated the largest increase (average annual percent change, 30.2%, 95% CI=28.5, 32.0). Drug-related diagnoses were the most common co-occurring diagnosis among suicide attempt and intentional self-harm visits. Despite the rise in emergency department visits for suicide attempts and intentional self-harm, less than 16% included an evaluation by a mental health professional. A significant national increase in emergency department visits for suicide attempts and intentional self-harm occurred from 2011 to 2020, as a proportion of total emergency department visits and as visits per capita. These trends underscore an urgent need to improve the continuum of mental health care for individuals with suicidal symptoms.

Update to the essential genomic nursing competencies and outcome indicators.

Genomic healthcare applications have relevance to all healthcare professionals including nursing, and most evidence-based clinical applications impact the quality and safety of healthcare. To guide nursing genomic competency initiatives, the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines for Genetics and Genomics were established through a process of consensus in 2005. A 2009 update incorporated outcome indicators consisting of specific areas of knowledge and clinical performance indicators, to help support academic integration. Almost 20 years have elapsed since these competencies were first established, yet incorporating the competencies into general and specialty scope and standards of nursing practice is inconsistent, competency integration into curricula is highly uneven, continuing education in genomics for nurses is limited, and the genomic capacity of the nursing workforce remains low. These deficits have persisted despite substantial advances in genomic technology which substantially reduced costs and increased evidence-based clinical applications, including direct to consumer genomic tests, the integration of genomics into evidence-based guidelines, and evidence that genomics impacts the quality and safety of healthcare. The aim of this project was to update and achieve consensus on genomic competencies applicable to all registered nurses. This was a mixed methods study. The update to the competencies was performed based first on a literature review to update the competencies based on the current state of the evidence. Using the updated content, a modified Delphi study was conducted with registered nurse panelists from clinical, academic, and research settings. Once consensus was achieved, the competencies were made available through the American Nurses Association for public comment. Public comments were then reviewed and integrated as needed. The literature review resulted in a transition from genetics to genomics, given the reduction in costs, which resulted in an expansion of the scope of testing in both the germline and somatic contexts. Two Delphi rounds were required to reach consensus prior to the public comment period. Public comments were solicited through the American Nurses Association, and each comment was reviewed by the authors and addressed as indicated. The Essentials of Genomic Nursing: Competencies and Outcome Indicators constitute the minimum competency in genomics required of all registered nurses regardless of the level of academic training, role, or specialty. Evidence-based genomic applications span the entire healthcare continuum and, therefore, are relevant for all registered nurses regardless of academic training, role, practice setting, or clinical expertise. These competencies serve as the guide for the minimum requirements for registered nurse practice as well as guide curricula and continuing education for all registered nurses, including but not limited to administrators, educators, nursing leaders, practicing nurses, and researchers.

Interactions between special education teachers and children with chronic complex conditions: A qualitative study

Background The number of children with complex medical conditions has increased in recent decades. In this context, a complex chronic condition is characterized by multiple morbidities that require intensive or continuous health care according to the level of severity. Given their various health conditions, it is challenging to provide special education to these children, but there is still insufficient evidence regarding the practical experiences of educators. The aim of this study was to investigate special education teacher’s perceptions, experiences, and challenges while developing interpersonal relationships and communicating with children who have complex chronic conditions. Methods We recruited and interviewed 21 special education school teachers in Japan. The transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Our analysis revealed four themes, including “searching for the meaning,” “complex chronic conditions as a difficult reality,” “widening experience for the future,” and “priority for interacting with children.” These themes reflect the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of the special education teachers. Conclusions In cases where children have severe functional limitations, it is more challenging to understand child-teacher interactions. This highlights the importance of searching for meaning in educational practices used among children with complex chronic conditions. Our findings may provide helpful insight into the experiences and challenges faced by special educators who engage with these children.

Setting Standards for Personal Health Data in the Age of 5G and 6G Networks

Electronic health records (EHRs) play a vital role in simplifying thorough and effective patient treatment, promoting smooth exchange of information between medical professionals, and enhancing the process of making clinical decisions. With the increasing adoption of sensor-embedded smart wearables and home automation devices, new opportunities arise for innovative solutions in various sectors, such as eHealth. In the age of 5G and 6G, the potential of utilizing user-collected health data becomes vast, promising significant improvements in people’s health and well-being. Realizing continuous healthcare access takes a step closer to reality by equipping EHRs to effectively store and interpret data collected by these sensors. This would result in personalized medical services that adhere to standardized practices. This paper presents a comprehensive review of contemporary advancements in the realm of standardization methods aimed at managing personal health data. The study delves into an extensive analysis of state-of-the-art solutions that have emerged to address the intricate challenges associated with the harmonization and uniformity of personal health information. By systematically examining these cutting-edge approaches, the review elucidates the diverse strategies employed to establish a cohesive framework for organizing, storing, and exchanging personal health data. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates the effectiveness and limitations of each solution in terms of promoting interoperability, safeguarding data privacy, and facilitating seamless data sharing among healthcare stakeholders. Furthermore, this paper then presents an approach to standardize the data by establishing semantic constraints for healthcare data types and proposing a validation procedure to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Hydrodynamics-engineered polyaniline nanofibers on graphene nanosheets for high-performance pH sensors

Real-time sweat monitoring in the human body using wearable sensors is promising for noninvasive and continuous healthcare applications. For reliable and accurate sweat analysis, further improvement in the response time and long-term stability of sensors is required. This paper reports an electrochemical pH sensor based on polyaniline/graphene (PANi-Gr) with rapid electron and ion transfer. The implementation of the Taylor–Couette flow approach allowed the efficient exfoliation of graphite into Gr nanosheets and the rapid polymerization of aniline monomers on the Gr surface, resulting in nanofiber PANi-deposited Gr nanocomposites. PANi-Gr had a large surface area and porous structure, which are favorable for rapid and stable electrochemical reactions. The screen-printed PANi-Gr-based pH sensor exhibited a Nernstian sensitivity of 61.91 mV/pH, rapid response time of <1 s, and long-term stability upon monitoring with minimal potential drift (0.04 mV h−1) under strong acidic and basic conditions. Furthermore, the on-body performance of the wearable pH sensor integrated with a wireless electronic device was analyzed via the noninvasive real-time monitoring of human sweat pH during stationary cycling. The developed sensor can be used in wearable real-time sweat monitoring devices for medical and healthcare applications.

Continuum of maternal and new-natal health care: empirical evidence from 10 developing countries in South and South East Asia

Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries, are high even in the twenty-first century, which is a cause for concern. Therefore, this paper examines the Continuum of Mother and Neonatal Health Care (MNH), i.e., at least four ante-natal care visits (ANC 4 +), skilled birth attendance at delivery (SBA), post-natal care (PNC), and its determinants in 10 developing countries in Asia. It uses Demographic and Household Survey data (2014–2021) and finds that only 46% of women received all the MNH services, and 8% did not receive any services. In Afghanistan, only 2.8% of women availed complete care of MNH services, followed by Timor-Leste (26.1%), Bangladesh (31.5%), Pakistan (35.1%), and Nepal (38.8%). Empirical analysis shows that women with higher education, those living in urban areas, from wealthy families, and female-headed households have higher odds of availing all MNH. Media exposure, ease of access to MNH services, and the women who have attended the first ANC at less than four months of pregnancy have higher odds of availing all three MNH services. Therefore, the MNH policy should target women in rural areas who have a lower level of education and come from low-income families to improve the mother and neonatal health situation in South and Southeast Asia.

Pragmatic strategies to address health disparities along the continuum of care in chronic liver disease.

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in the prevalence and natural history of chronic liver disease, access to care, and clinical outcomes. Solutions to improve health equity range widely, from digital health tools to policy changes. The current review outlines the disparities along the chronic liver disease health care continuum from screening and diagnosis to the management of cirrhosis and considerations of pre-liver and post-liver transplantation. Using a health equity research and implementation science framework, we offer pragmatic strategies to address barriers to implementing high-quality equitable care for patients with chronic liver disease.

Challenges and Opportunities in Breast Cancer Care in Low-Resourced Countries, Jordan as An Example.

Jordan is a relatively small country with a rapidly growing population and a challenged economy. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and also in Jordan. Though the age-standardized rate (ASR) of breast cancer incidence is still lower than that in Western societies, the number of newly diagnosed cases continues to increase, involving younger women, and new cases are usually detected at more advanced stages. Improvements in breast cancer care across the health care continuum, including early detection, prevention, treatment, and survivorship and palliative care, have become very visible, but may not match the magnitude of the problem. More organized, goal-oriented work is urgently needed to downstage the disease and improve awareness of, access to, and participation in early detection programs. The cost of recently introduced anti-cancer therapies poses a great challenge, but the impact of these therapies on treatment outcomes, including overall survival, is becoming very noticeable. Though the concept of a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment is often used at most health care facilities, its implementation in real practice varies significantly. The availability of breast reconstruction procedures, survivorship programs, germline genetic testing, counselling, and palliative care is improving, but these are not widely practiced. In this manuscript, we review the status of breast cancer in Jordan and highlight some of the existing challenges and opportunities.

​​Invoking Senghor​: Universal Healthcare Coverage and the Place of Culture in Senegal

Senegal introduced Couverture Maladie Universelle (CMU), its version of universal health coverage (UHC), in 2013, basing it on the establishment of mutual health insurance. Mutual health organisations (mutuelles de santé) manage the pooling of funds, including member enrolment fees and government subsidies; in an effort to extend the reach of UHC, the Senegalese cultural sector created a mutuelle of its own. As part of ethnographic fieldwork focused on CMU, I attended a ceremony at the Grand Théâtre National de Dakar on the occasion of this mutuelle receiving a large cheque from the government. In this Field Note I examine the centring of Senegalese culture during this event to reflect on the national project of development itself. The event’s celebration of the arts sector coupled with its emphasis on mutualism and solidarity invoked Senegal’s post-colonial developmentalist visions and aspirations that were motivated by négritude and African socialism under its first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor. Engaging with renewed calls for African values and morality to be put at the centre of development, I argue that ambitious endeavours like CMU present such an attempt and help buoy it, but that, in the context of continued healthcare underfunding, one-off gifts like that presented during the ceremony are unsustainable.

A Comparative Analysis of Healthcare Facilities: With and Without 24/7 Interventions.

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains disproportionately high in low and middle-income countries, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare accessibility. The Tharparkar district of Sindh, Pakistan, exemplifies such challenges, with basic utilities and healthcare services notably lacking. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of 24/7 availability of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in government healthcare facilities in the Tharparkar district. Methods: This action research followed a cross-sectional study design. Data collection commenced after receiving ethical approval and written consent from the Government District Health Officer of Tharparkar. Longitudinal data were collected using District Health Information tools from six healthcare facilities, three of which operated 24/7 and the remaining three for six hours daily. Data included indicators such as general outpatient department (OPD) visits, non-vaginal deliveries (NVD), antenatal, postnatal care, family planning, immunization, neonatal deaths, stillbirths, and live births. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, and results were visualized using Tableau 2024. Results: Facilities operating 24/7 reported a significant increase in healthcare utilization: general OPD attendance increased by 118.5% at THQ Kheeme Jo Par, 168.2% at GD Jese Jo Par, and 150.5% at GD Mehrna Vero. There were also notable improvements in NVD, antenatal, postnatal care, and family planning services. Immunization rates improved, stillbirths decreased, and there were zero neonatal deaths reported in these facilities following the intervention. Conclusion: The implementation of 24/7 MNCH services in Tharparkar significantly enhanced healthcare service delivery and improved maternal and child health outcomes. Continuous healthcare availability is crucial for improving health indicators and achieving global health targets in underserved populations.

Patients’ expectations of primary health care from both patients’ and physicians’ perspectives: a questionnaire study with a qualitative approach

BackgroundPatients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations are three important concepts in consultation techniques. Limited studies on these concepts include responses from both health care providers and care recipients of the same consultation. Highlighting both perspectives provides an increased understanding of the consultation. This study aims to explore the perspectives of patients and health care professionals about patients’ expectations of primary health care during consultations with primary care physicians and compare the two sets of perspectives.MethodsA cross-sectional study. Patients (n = 113) and physicians (n = 67) from five primary health care centers completed a questionnaire after planned consultations. Their responses to open-ended questions about patients’ expectations, from patients’ and physicians’ perspectives were analyzed with qualitative content analyses.ResultsThe patients expected a personal journey, through the primary health care system where they were the subject of interest. A journey, with ready access to a health care provider followed by a consultation with the physician, medical measures administered, their outcomes discussed, and a plan developed for continued health care. The physicians observed patients’ expectations to concern the responsibilities placed on primary health care where patients were the object of interest. Patients’ short-term expectations were described in a similar way by both patients and physicians. Patients expressed their long-term expectations as more personal and interpersonal whereas physicians observed them from a more professional and organizational standpoint.ConclusionsPatients and physicians have different views of what patients expect of primary health care. While patients’ short-term expectations were perceived by physicians, their long-term expectations were not. Patients expected more of a personal journey through the primary health care system while physicians observed patients’ expectations to concern the responsibilities placed on primary health care. Identifying and meeting patients’ expectations is an important part of patient-centered care, and a better understanding of patients’ expectations is needed to improve health professionals’ consultation skills.

Analysis of Stakeholder Requirements for the Development of Swallowing Health Management Services

An investigation of comprehensive service requirements and their importance across various stakeholders is needed to develop systematic swallowing healthcare services. The present study examined the service requirements and their importance in developing comprehensive swallowing healthcare services from diverse stakeholders, including healthy seniors, individuals at risk, patients, guardians, and medical professionals, within the context of dysphagia. A series of survey-based interviews with 35 participants from the 5 stakeholder groups identified a comprehensive array of requirements pertinent to swallowing healthcare. Subsequently, a larger survey of 125 participants was administered using a 7-point Likert scale to evaluate the perceived importance of the identified requirements. A total of 46 distinct requirements were identified across the prevention/screening, evaluation/diagnosis, and treatment/training stages of swallowing healthcare. Accessibility, customization, usability, practicality, and information availability were features commonly identified across the three stages. Evaluation of the importance of these requirements yielded ratings ranging from 5.0 to 6.6. Significantly higher ratings were found for requirements associated with the evaluation/diagnosis and treatment/training stages, underscoring the stakeholder groups’ pronounced preference for services directed at these specific stages of the healthcare continuum. The study offers insights into the multifaceted requirements of stakeholders in swallowing healthcare, emphasizing the necessity for personalized, easily accessible, and comprehensive services. These findings serve as a foundational framework on targeted interventions and tailored services designed to address the diverse requirements of stakeholders for swallowing healthcare.

Music facilitation styles and behaviours across the health-care continuum: explanatory multiple case studies

ABSTRACT Background Understanding how music group facilitators work across the health-care continuum has received sparse research attention. Methods An explanatory multiple case study design was used to identify approaches employed by experienced facilitators. Five music facilitators working in contrasting areas of practice were interviewed and video recorded engaging with the same groups at three timepoints. Results All facilitators demonstrated four common behaviours: applying a consistent structure for each session; creating a positive and relaxing atmosphere for the work; engaging with varying musical repertoire and activities; and offering clear instructions for the participants. Their styles of practice were found to be shaped by their personality, educational background, as well as the size of the group, health conditions, and cultural identities of their music participants. Conclusion These skilled facilitators showed flexibility, always aiming to accommodate participants’ needs, and revealing new evidence of a common approach to music facilitation across different types of participant groups.

Prevalence and predictors of post-acute COVID syndrome among infected healthcare workers at University Malaya Medical Centre.

Post Acute COVID Syndrome (PACS), a complex and poorly understood condition characterised by persistent symptoms following the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, has emerged as a significant global health concern. Healthcare workers who had been at the forefront of the pandemic response are at heightened risk of contracting the virus and subsequently developing PACS. Therefore, we aim to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PACS among healthcare workers infected with COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2022 and August 2023 using an online REDCap electronic data capture tool questionnaire. PACS was defined as new or persistent symptoms lasting more than 28 days after a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction or rapid test kit antigen test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors associated with PACS. Among 609 infected healthcare workers, they were predominantly female (71.8%), Malays (84.6%), and aged 18-39 years (70.1%). 50.7% of infected healthcare workers experienced PACS. The most common PACS symptoms experienced were fatigue (27.9%), cough (25.1%), decreased physical strength (20.5%), and musculoskeletal pain (19.2%). Those who are more likely to develop PACS were females, underlying asthma, and COVID-19 severity category 3. On the other hand, those who received booster vaccinations were less likely to develop PACS. PACS is prevalent among healthcare workers with COVID-19 at the University Malaya Medical Centre. These findings emphasise the critical need for those with higher risk to receive regular health monitoring and checkups to detect any early signs of PACS. It underscores the need for continuous support and healthcare interventions to mitigate the impacts of PACS and ensure the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers.