Thread by @DALupton

The Australian government has released its 'National Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19' plan in response to the #LongCovid inquiry report's recommendations.

A thread ... 1/xhealth.gov.au/resources/publ…

The government acknowledges that 'More robust research is required to understand the true prevalence of PASC in Australia.' On that we can all agree. 2/x

The government will use WHO's definition to 'represent individuals who have new or ongoing symptoms twelve weeks after being infected with SARS-CoV-2, that are not explained by an alternative diagnosis' 3/x

'The Government recognises PASC is a complex and multi-system illness, and the duration of symptoms varies.' Yes, so far, so obvious. 4/x

'To best respond to the needs of people with PASC, it is important to ensure co-design of optimal care pathways with patients and healthcare providers'. Yes, very important. How will this take place? Who will run this important process? Hopefully not a consultancy company 5/x

'The Government is also committed to continuing to support initiatives that reduce the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection, and through this the number of people who develop PASC.' Oh really? They need to do much more on this front 6/x

The complexity of informing health service providers about how best to treat PwLC is acknowledged. Also the importance of equity in access and informing the community about LC risk. All highly needed interventions that will take a lot of thought and care to do well 7/x

'Developing a coordinated approach to PASC management' and 'Engaging effectively across all levels of government'. Absolutely. How will this be achieved? 8/x

'Ensuring ongoing research to determine whether treatments given during the acute phase of COVID-19 can reduce the risk of PASC'. Yes, really important. So is providing better access to these treatments. 9/x

There is a focus on primary care as the first port of call. Yet primary care providers are already overwhelmed, sick/disabled themselves from infection, often not protecting themselves or patients. Something needs to change there 10/x

It's good to see the initiatives government is taking for more bulk-billing, better access to mental health services and improving primary team care (for all patients). This may improve care and access for PwLC, but they will competing with other patients for these services 11/x

Introduction of 'two new classifications for the treatment of PASC in a non-admitted/outpatient setting' and better data linkage. This should help with better data on LC prevalence 12/x

BUT -funding for LC committed by government hasn't changed, and is still peanuts given the magnitude of the problem 13/x

As for their 'ongoing C19 response'. Let's see some action here! 14/x