A Scoping Review of Digital Interventions that Treat Post-/Long-COVID (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Patients with Post-/Long-COVID need support, and health care professionals require evidence-based patient care. Digital interventions can meet these requirements, especially if personal contact is limited. OBJECTIVE We reviewed evidence-based digital interventions, to help manage physical and mental health, for patients with Post-/Long-COVID. METHODS A scoping review was carried out; summarizing novel digital health interventions for treating Post-/Long-COVID patients. Using the PICO scheme, original studies were summarized in which patients with Post-/Long-COVID symptoms used digital interventions to help aid recovery. RESULTS From all scanned articles, k = 8 original studies matched the inclusion criteria. Three were “pre-test” studies. Three describe the implementation of a tele-rehabilitation program, one is a Post-/Long-COVID program, and one study describes the results of qualitative interviews with patients who used an online peer support group. Following the PICO scheme, we categorized previous studies: studies varied in terms of (P) participants, ranging from adults in different countries, such as former hospitalized patients with COVID-19, to disadvantaged communities in the UK, as well as health-care workers. In addition, the studies included patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19, who had ongoing symptoms, and some studies focused on specific symptoms, some post-COVID-19 or long-term. Other studies included patients in online peer support groups. The (I) interventions also varied. Most interventions used a combination of psychological and physical exercises, but they varied in duration, frequency, and social dimensions. The reviewed studies investigated physical and mental health (C) conditions of patients with Post-/Long-COVID. Most studies reported (O) outcomes/ improvements in physiological health perception, some physical conditions, fatigue, and some psychological aspects such as depression. However, some studies found no improvements in bowel/bladder problems, concentration, short-term memory, unpleasant dreams, physical ailments, perceived bodily pain, emotional ailments, and perceived mental health. CONCLUSIONS More systematic research with larger sample sizes is required to overcome sampling bias and include the health care professionals’ perspective as well as help patients mobilize support by health care professionals and social network partners. The evidence so far suggests that patients should be provided with digital interventions to manage symptoms and reintegrate into everyday life, including work. CLINICALTRIAL