Evaluating a Digital Patient Reported Outcome Measure for Long COVID in a Community Rehabilitation Service

BACKGROUND: Long COVID presents with a wide range of persistent symptoms which can significantly affect daily functioning and increases pressure on already stretched National Health Service. A Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Measure application incorporating 4 outcome measure scales (COVID-19-Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale, EuroQol 5 Dimension Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale) was introduced into a Long COVID community rehabilitation pathway in 2021. However, there was little known about its acceptability, uptake, or user experience. METHODS: A qualitative service evaluation was conducted. Quantitative data was collected, over 2 months, from 100 people using the service, including registration, usage patterns, and demographics. Semi structured questionnaires collected qualitative data from 20 participants. Template analysis was used to explore experiences, enablers, and barriers. RESULTS: Of 100 participants, 38 were active app users, 46 were non active users, and 16 did not register. Engagement varied, depending on education employment status and digital literacy. Four themes emerged from qualitative data collected from 20 service users: Technology, Personal Experience, Symptom Tracking, and Support Requirements. Digital symptom monitoring was valued, but challenges were identified with navigation, clarity of the questions, guidance of use, and awareness of key functions such as symptom tracking graphs. CONCLUSION(S): Opportunities were identified for development of the use of Digital Patient-Reported Outcome Measures. User feedback highlighted the need for improved usability, clearer information, and increased guidance to optimise engagement. These insights inform recommendations for the development and implementation of future Digital Patient Reported Outcome Measures.