Implementation of an interdisciplinary research model at a tertiary University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil: post-COVID-19 cohort study

Abstract

This study describes the implementation of an interdisciplinary model within the COVID-19 cohort at Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). Among 1957 survivors, 749 attended the first follow-up (6‒11 months), revealing that 83% reported persistent symptoms ‒ mainly fatigue, dizziness, pain, and dyspnea ‒ highlighting the need for extended monitoring. A four-year program involving 22 study groups was established to characterize symptom frequency, severity and disability, explore clinical and sociodemographic associations, and evaluate the potential for recovery through multidisciplinary approaches. A dedicated team coordinated recruitment, teleconsultations, in-person assessments and database management. Of 749 patients, 523 completed teleconsultations, 433 attended the first visit, and 367 the second. The implementation demonstrated that interdisciplinary research enhances patient engagement, reduces fragmentation, and supports efficient and high-quality research in complex human-based studies.