Fuzzy Cognitive Maps for Decision Support in Post-COVID Syndrome with Speech-Language Pathology-Related Problems

Detecting and managing speech-language pathology symptoms in patients with post-COVID syndrome (long COVID) presents a significant challenge, as the condition is marked by persistent and varied symptoms such as cognitive deficits, communication difficulties, and voice disorders. To address these challenges, a Fuzzy Cognitive Map Decision Support System (FCM-DSS) was developed to model causal relationships and integrate expert knowledge. A systematic review approach, though not comprehensive, was utilized to identify key symptoms and their prevalence from 19 studies, focusing on brain fog, attention deficits, memory problems, dyspnea, and swallowing difficulties. The weighted prevalence of these symptoms informed the development of the FCM-DSS model, designed to link symptoms to medical specialties and recommend specialist referrals. Preliminary testing on four case studies demonstrated the tool’s potential, but further validation through pilot studies is necessary.