New study to test telemedicine for Long COVID symptom management
The University of Washington is launching a pilot study to explore a telemedicine intervention designed to help people with Long COVID manage their symptoms. The COPE study aims to determine if a psychosocial self-management program can ease the burden of Long COVID, which includes symptoms like fatigue, breathing difficulties, cognitive issues, and emotional distress. A paper describing the study design was published mid-June in Pilot and Feasibility Studies.
The study is led by Lindsey Knowles, PhD, Tracy Herring, PhD, and Jeanne Hoffman, PhD, with contributions from Janna Friedly, MD, MPH. Sydney Drever, MS, is the research coordinator for the project, and Mehr Grewal, a local teen who founded the health awareness initiative Worth A Shot, volunteered as a research assistant on this project.
Long COVID remains a significant public health issue, affecting many who have recovered from the initial COVID-19 infection but continue to experience lingering symptoms. This study, involving 50 participants, will test the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of a six-week group-based telemedicine program. The program teaches evidence-based strategies to manage symptoms, stress, and improve communication and self-advocacy.
Participants for this study have already been recruited and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. Those in the intervention group will receive telemedicine sessions aimed at improving their ability to manage symptoms and cope with the challenges of Long COVID. Researchers will assess the program’s success through self-reported measures of fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, pain, and emotional well-being.
The study, supported by the University of Washington and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, aims to refine the intervention based on participant feedback and initial results. This could lead to more extensive testing and potential widespread use, offering hope to those struggling with Long COVID and reducing burdens on the healthcare system.