gms | German Medical Science

Background: People with long-term need of care, together with their relatives, nursing staff and general practitioners are most clearly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bavarian State Ministry for Health and Care has initiated BaCoM to improve the living situation of those in need of care in the current situation and to prepare for future pandemics. BaCoM is an interdisciplinary joint research project. The expertise from general medicine, infectiology, nursing science and sociology is combined at the three locations in Munich (LMU and KSH München), Erlangen (FAU) and Würzburg (UKW).

Aim: The aim is to generate knowledge at the psychological, social, clinical and physiological effects of Covid-19 diseases on people with long-term need of care in home-based care and nursing home.

Methods: BACOM is a prospective and dynamic registry study in order to be able to systematically integrate progressive findings. An active, standardized documentation is defined in advance, the quantitative and qualitative questions can be adjusted over time. At least 1.500 people with long-term need of care (care level 1–5, pos. SARS-Cov-2 PCR Test) should be included in the study. Potential study participants are informed by general practitioners, because they have the basic medical data. The first survey is the baseline data after a positive PCR test is available (up to 6 months before inclusion). Follow-up surveys are planned every 6 months for 3 years. In addition, the nursing staff and general practitioners are asked about their physical and mental needs in the pandemic.

Results: The study started in March 2021. Intermediate results are presented annually. First experience with the study and results can be presented at the congress.

Conclusion: Improving long-term care in the current and post-pandemic situation needs more knowledge. This is required for political decisions and measures in order to meet the need of people with long-term care, their relatives and the professionals.