Recovery app to support people experiencing long-term effects of coronavirus

The bilingual, first of its kind, app has been developed by the NHS Wales respiratory health group on behalf of the Welsh Government and has been designed to offer people a bespoke tool and personal coach to help them on their road to recovery.

With more than 100 videos and links to advice, app users will be able to record their symptoms, track their progress and learn to manage their condition at home with support. It includes advice from therapists, psychologists, dietitians and consultants.

Three members of staff from the Betsi Cadwalader Health Board have contributed to the national app in a bid to provide more advice and support for patients.

Caerwyn Roberts, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, at Ysbyty Gwynedd

Caerwyn Roberts, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, at Ysbyty Gwynedd said: “It was a fantastic experience being involved in such an innovative piece of work that involved collaboration between clinicians from each and every Health Board in Wales.

“The app contains over many informative and hopefully helpful videos covering the most common symptoms that patients will experience during their recovery from a Covid-19 infection.”

The app is part of a wider national approach to support people with post-covid syndrome which includes supporting health professionals to recognise the symptoms, signposting people to support and providing a clear pathway for people as they go through the healthcare system.

Lucy Clarke, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for the East area of the Health Board

Lucy Clarke, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for the East area of the Health Board, said: “This app was developed at speed with excellent collaboration across Wales and across professions.

“It was a privilege to be part of such a rapidly produced and professionally trained app, helping people to recover from COVID-19.

“All the identified expert therapists across Wales contributed video titles for each of the symptoms, in order to cover the topics in detail.

“The app is user friendly and helps members of the public to navigate to the relevant symptom section for their issue, and to gain access to an expert providing guidance and self-management advice about the topic.”

Post-Covid-19 syndrome, also known as long covid, has been defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with coronavirus that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.

Alexis Conn, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist within Mental Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Alexis Conn, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist within Mental Health, said: “This is a free and simple self-management app for people to use who are experiencing symptoms of long covid.

“There are many people who are now experiencing fatigue, low mood and memory issues after having the virus and this app can help them to manage their symptoms through different techniques.

“We are really proud to be able to contribute to this app which we hope will provide that extra support some people may need.”

For more information visit: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/long-covid/