Long COVID Companion-App: Entwicklung eines digitalen Gesundheitswerkzeuges zur Unterstützung von Personen mit Long COVID

Background: People with Long COVID (LC) continue to face difficulties in accessing appropriate care and often feel misunderstood, while the underlying mechanisms of this multi-systemic condition remain unclear. Due to these challenges, a needs-based app is to be developed that supports those affected in their daily lives, enables better self-organization, improves communication with healthcare providers, and facilitates access to relevant information.Methods: Quantitative surveys (N = 216) and qualitative interviews (N = 20) from LC-patients and professionals were conducted to analyze the impact of LC on health and daily life. The surveys included questions about symptom burden, everyday challenges, and the needs regarding digital tools. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of a digital app as well as desired features were recorded. Subsequently, the app was developed and systematic feedback was collected (N = 9). Results: Results showed general support for a free-to-access app in the LC field, particularly in the areas of symptom monitoring and administrative support. Privacy, accessibility, and ease of use were cited by participants as essential requirements.Discussion: In addition to the appreciative development process of the app, its functionalities and the visualization of results were particularly positively rated. The app was seen by LC patients and LC professionals as an important tool for self-organization and documenting the course of the illness.Conclusions: Further studies are needed to evaluate the acceptance, user-friendliness, and effectiveness of the app over time.