Table 1 Designing and conducting a longitudinal study from the first Italian COVID-19 pandemic wave up to 3 years: the main lessons learnt

1. Leading and accelerating research processes in an uncertain scenario

2. Broadening the research aims based on the emerging literature, as well as by listening to patients and reflecting on our daily practice

3. Preventing the progressive selection of patients and thinking about the still-neglected populations

4. Challenges in engaging patients in the research process

5. Discerning findings as individual or family/dyad perceptions

6. Transforming a longitudinal study into a surveillance and caring service

7. Adapting the data collection methods over time to the emerging needs/issues to balance time, ensure efficiency and protect research integrity

8. Experiencing the interesting challenge of combining quantitative and qualitative data

9. Should the focus be on the first wave or on the subsequent one as well?

10. Being cared for and making sense of troubled times