The biopsychosocial impacts of digital health interventions for Long Covid: a systematic review

Abstract Background Long Covid is a common and often debilitating condition with huge economic and social consequences globally. It is hard to diagnose and manage in primary care, with resulting unmet needs and health inequalities. Digital technologies offer potential tools for symptom management, self-monitoring, and rehabilitation—particularly for patients facing stigma, mobility issues, or limited healthcare access. However, their effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the biopsychosocial impacts of digital interventions on individuals with Long Covid. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420250649316). Five databases (Embase, Medline, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for English-language quantitative studies published between January 2020 and February 2025. Eligible studies examined digital interventions—including mobile apps, web platforms, telehealth, and AI-supported tools—targeting people with Long Covid. We looked for reported impact on physical health, psychosocial wellbeing, social inclusion, and occupational or educational functioning. Included articles were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. Results Six controlled quantitative intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions varied in content and duration but were primarily educational tools, tele-rehabilitation and exercise recommendations. Digital interventions demonstrated mixed effects. Two of five studies assessing physical symptoms and perceived functional ability reported significant improvements compared to usual care. Two of five studies assessing psychosocial wellbeing reported significant improvements in terms of mental health or quality of life. Only two of the six trials measured social participation, and neither found significant changes. One non-randomised comparison within a digitally supported care programme reported higher work-ability scores, but attribution to the digital component was uncertain. Considerable heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and variable reporting limited comparability. Conclusions Evidence for the effectiveness of digital interventions in managing Long Covid remains inconclusive. Current research prioritises physical and psychological outcomes while neglecting social and occupational dimensions crucial to recovery, despite Long Covid having a significant social and occupational burden. Future trials should adopt broader outcome measures, include marginalised populations, and critically assess both benefits and potential harms of digital health tools before widespread clinical use in primary care.