EPH113 Healthcare Utilization Remains Elevated Among People Living with Post-COVID-19 Condition More Than One Year after Acute COVID-19 Illness

Healthcare systems require comprehensive data for long-term resource allocation planning to support people living with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Limited information is available on PCC-associated healthcare utilization patterns. In this study, we assess rates six and 12-18 months following acute COVID-19 illness among survivors in British Columbia (BC), Canada by PCC status. We used difference-in-difference analysis all adult BC diagnosed on/before November 18, 2021 during three time periods: (i) 26 weeks after the first 4 of illness, that exact period (ii) one or two years prior (baseline), (iii) year afterwards. PCC/non-PCC patients were matched 1:2 age, sex, region, comorbidities, vaccination status, index date ±14 days. The total number daily encounters (medical visit, emergency department hospitalization) per person was calculated. Rate ratios (RR) estimated using weighted Poisson regression. cohort (n= 7,092) included 2,364 (54.9% female; mean age 39.8 [SD, 13.4] years). comparable between non-PCC groups at baseline (average: 39.3 vs. 32.7 visits 1000 patients, respectively), but rose two-fold group 26-week post-acute (76.1 33.5). One later, declined remained elevated relative (54.6 34.4). multivariable regression models, associated a 103% increase over (aRR: 2.03, 95% CI 1.71-2.41) 24% next 1.24, 1.03-1.48). increased noted highlights need adequate provide optimal PCC.