Web-based telemedicine approach for treatment of post-COVID-19 in Thuringia (WATCH)

After infection with SARS-CoV-2, a substantial proportion of patients develop long-lasting sequelae. These sequelae include fatigue (potentially as severe as that seen in ME/CFS cases), cognitive dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms. Because the pathophysiology of these sequelae remains unclear, existing therapeutic concepts address the symptoms through pacing strategies, cognitive training, and psychological therapy.

Here, we present a protocol for a digital multimodal structured intervention addressing common symptoms through three intervention modules: BRAIN, BODY, and SOUL. This intervention includes an assessment conducted via a mobile "post-COVID-19 bus" near the patient's home, as well as the use of wearable devices and mobile applications to support pacing strategies and collection of data, including ecological momentary assessment.

We will focus on physical component subscore of the SF36 as Quality of Life parameter as the primary outcome parameter for WATCH to take into account the holistic approach that is necessary for care of post-COVID patients.

In the current project, we present a protocol for a holistic and multimodal structured therapeutic concept which is easily accessible, and scalable for post-COVID patients.