Our Long Covid Care directory app supports Long COVID awareness and innovation by connecting patients with verified specialists, validating their experiences, and providing essential knowledge for seeking appropriate care.

Project Case Study

The Long COVID Care Directory emerged from the pressing need to address the widespread frustration faced by Long COVID patients when seeking treatment. The Long COVID Care Directory emerged from the pressing need to address the widespread frustration and stigma faced by Long COVID patients. Our team consulted healthcare professionals, tech developers, and patient advocates, all bringing unique experiences to the table. With backgrounds in epidemiology, software development, and patient advocacy, we are united by a shared commitment to improving the healthcare journey for Long COVID patients.

Identifying the Problem

Many Long COVID patients report that their symptoms are often dismissed by healthcare providers, leading to a reluctance to seek treatment. Studies indicate that the wide range of symptoms associated with Long COVID complicates diagnosis and treatment for providers not specialized in this condition (Department of Health and Human Services, 2022; Righi et al., 2023; Ziauddeen et al., 2022). Our project aims to address this by creating a reliable resource for patients to find knowledgeable and empathetic healthcare providers.

Approach and Methodology

We began by conducting extensive user interviews with Long COVID patients and healthcare providers to validate our hypothesis that an online directory would improve the user journey. These interviews revealed that many patients felt abandoned by the healthcare system and faced significant barriers in finding appropriate care. This feedback was instrumental in shaping our project.

Our platform features a verification system and a peer-review mechanism, ensuring that listed providers are both qualified and endorsed by the community. We incorporated evidence-based sources and federal data, such as the Health+ Long COVID Report, to ensure our directory is grounded in reliable information. This not only adds credibility to our platform but also ensures that users have access to the most current and accurate information available.

Challenges and Obstacles

Throughout the project, we faced several challenges, including ensuring the accuracy and reliability of provider information. We foresaw initial resistance from healthcare providers who were unfamiliar with Long COVID and wanted to make sure that they understood our research behind the app to build confidence. By collaborating with patient advocacy groups and utilizing federal datasets, we were able to build a trustworthy and easy-to-use app.

Federal Information and Data Usage

We extensively utilized the Health+ Long COVID Report and other federal Long COVID data to inform our platform's design and functionality. This data provided critical insights into the symptoms, treatment efficacy, and patient experiences, which were essential in curating a list of competent healthcare providers. By referencing these sources, we ensured our platform was not only evidence-based but also aligned with current research and findings. Additionally, we utilize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) database to verify providers. However, we do not automatically add all providers to the application. Instead, providers must opt-in, confirming their understanding and treatment of Long COVID patients. This opt-in process ensures that users connect with providers who are committed to addressing Long COVID, thus improving the user journey of finding appropriate care. By referencing these sources, we ensured our platform was not only evidence-based but also aligned with current research and findings.

Impact and Innovation

Our solution stands out by addressing the specific pain points in the Long COVID patient journey, particularly the stigma and difficulty in finding specialized care. The Long COVID Care Directory simplifies the process of finding appropriate care, thus having a profound impact on patients' lives. By leveraging community endorsements and rigorous verification processes, we provide a novel approach to healthcare resource management.

Collaboration

This project exemplifies collaboration across disciplines. Our team worked with healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and tech experts to create a seamless and effective platform. This interdisciplinary approach ensured that all aspects of the user journey were considered and addressed.

More than just an online platform, the Long COVID Care Directory gives patients hope as they navigate the complex healthcare system. We connect patients with trusted, compassionate, and well-informed healthcare providers to transform Long COVID care. This will improve health and restore healthcare system confidence. Our project meets an immediate need and sets a new standard for patient-centric care and healthcare innovation.

This post was edited on Sep 19, 2024 by Health+ Long COVID