Healthcare Pathways of Patients with Long COVID in Austria: A Qualitative Exploration of Experiences, Barriers, and Needs

Background/Objectives: Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection and places a considerable burden on patients and healthcare systems due to its complex, multisystemic nature. In Austria, little is known about how affected individuals navigate existing healthcare structures and where obstacles occur. This study aimed to explore healthcare pathways, perceived barriers, and needs among people living with long COVID in Lower Austria. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with eleven adults residing in Lower Austria who reported symptoms persisting for at least four months after COVID-19 infection and still present at interview. Participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center, a neurology department, and an online patient group. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, pseudonymized, and analyzed by the first author using inductive qualitative content analysis following Mayring, supported by MAXQDA 2024 software. Results: On average, each participant consulted five medical points of care and seven healthcare professionals. Approximately half utilized Austria’s private healthcare sector in addition to the public one. Key barriers included fragmented care coordination, long waiting times, lack of specialist availability, financial burden, and insufficient recognition of symptoms by healthcare providers. Rehabilitation services were widely perceived as beneficial. Conclusions: Care experiences of the interviewed individuals with long COVID in Austria frequently deviate from national guideline recommendations. Although findings cannot be generalized beyond this exploratory sample, they suggest that enhancing general practitioner (GP) training, reinforcing care coordination, and broadening access to specialized interdisciplinary centers may improve equity and quality of long COVID care.