Exploring the role of a systems approach in improving long-COVID clinics
ABSTRACT: Long-COVID is a complex, multi-system condition with variable care across the UK. Using a systems and design engineering approach underpinned by Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), this study examined Long-COVID clinic pathways through semi-structured interviews with 15 clinicians and patients. Thematic analysis identified five domains—attitudes, relationships, service integration, technology adoption, and safety netting. The final synthesised swimlane diagram revealed opportunities to improve coordination, operational efficiency, and patient safety within evolving care models.
Authors
- Garret Tan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0947-6207)
- P John Clarkson
- Tom Bashford
Institutions
- Barts Health NHS Trust (GB)
- University of Cambridge (GB)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Proceedings of the Design Society
- Published
- 2026-07-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1017/pds.2026.10539
- Primary Topic
- Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00