Mobile application development to improve the active search for functional impairment and persistent symptoms in individuals post-COVID-19

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a mobile application (App) to be used by primary care teams in the active search for functional impairment, long-term symptoms, and disabilities in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, contributing to early treatment and referrals for multidisciplinary care and rehabilitation. This experimental study used the minimum viable product (MVP) methodology to develop an App named ReabilitaCOVID.

Methods

This methodology involves ideation, content creation, prototype creation, usability tests, and adjustments based on feedback. The study was conducted in Brazil, and the population of the study included community health workers, who were the App's target users, and individuals from the community who had previously had COVID-19 and were at risk of developing PCS.

Results

The App included a sociodemographic questionnaire, a clinical questionnaire, the post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), the Modified Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea Scale, and a flowchart. Usability tests were conducted, with feedback collected and adjustments made for improvements. Barriers to community health workers’ use of the application were identified.

Conclusion

A tailored app was developed for primary care teams to use in the active search for PCS. Functional and usability tests were performed in simulated and real environments. The App has the potential to facilitate referrals for multidisciplinary care and rehabilitation efficiently, and it will be available freely to public health care services. MVP is a suitable approach for developing a tailored App for healthcare teams.