What do global experts agree on about Long COVID?
A 179-person, 28-country Delphi reached 187 consensus statements—strongest on diagnosis and research needs, including children and biomarkers.
Source
Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus
Study at a glance
- Design
- Qualitative / archival — 3-round modified Delphi consensus among clinicians, researchers, and people with lived Long COVID experience (WHN governance)
- N
- N=179 · 179 panelists in 28 countries; 187 statements reached consensus
- Population
- International Long COVID clinicians, researchers, and lived-experience participants
- Outcome
- Consensus recommendations spanning definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and society
Structured fields used in claim comparison tables when every cited study has a complete layer.
What they did
Under World Health Network oversight, a modified 3-round Delphi surveyed clinicians, researchers, and people with lived Long COVID experience across definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and socioeconomic domains.
What they found
187 statements achieved consensus. Diagnosis/clinical assessment and general research were strongest; pediatric impacts and societal/economic effects were priorities; nervous-system/organ involvement and biomarker needs were emphasized.
The limits
What it doesn't show
Not a treatment efficacy trial—recommendations reflect expert agreement, not new randomized outcome data.
Key terms
- Long COVID / PASC
- Persistent post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2; multiple overlapping names (PCC, PASC).
- Modified Delphi
- Structured iterative survey method to build expert consensus.
- Lived experience
- Panel inclusion of people who themselves have Long COVID.
- Biomarkers
- Objective measures the consensus says are critically needed for diagnosis/research.
- Health behaviour / society
- Domain covering clinical care pathways plus broader social and economic impacts.
Flashcards
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Common questions
Is this clinical trial evidence?
No—it is expert consensus guidance to inform care and research agendas.
Who was on the panel?
179 people in 28 countries, including clinicians, researchers, and patients.
What topics were covered?
Definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and society.
Pediatric angle?
Clear consensus that COVID’s impacts on children are a research priority.
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