Digital interventions for cognitive and psychological symptoms in Long COVID: A Scoping Review and Healthcare Professionals' Survey

Sandra León-Herrera, Raquel Gomez Bravo, Ana Luísa-Neves, Marta Sánchez-Castro, Vinicius Jobim Fischer, Mª Pilar Rodríguez-Pérez, Djenna Humacher, Reham Aldakhil, Marina Vaillancourt De Dios, Rosa Magallón-Botaya, Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez

Keywords: Long COVID; digital interventions; cognitive symptoms; psychological symptoms; telehealth; healthcare professionals

Background:

Cognitive and psychological symptoms, such as "brain fog," anxiety, and depression, are prevalent in Long COVID patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. Despite the potential of digital interventions like teletherapy and mobile apps to address these challenges, their integration into primary care remains underexplored.

Research questions:

What digital health interventions are available for managing cognitive and psychological symptoms in Long COVID?

How knowledgeable are healthcare professionals about these tools, and what are their attitudes toward using them in practice?

Method:

This study comprises two phases:
• Scoping review: A systematic search of academic databases (2020–present) will identify studies evaluating digital interventions for cognitive and psychological symptoms in Long COVID. Data on intervention types, outcomes, and implementation will be synthesized narratively.
• Healthcare professionals' survey: A cross-sectional survey targeting 100+ primary care professionals across Europe will assess awareness, attitudes, and use of digital tools. Quantitative data will be analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses thematically.

Results:

The project is currently in the second phase of the scoping review, with full-text screening of studies underway. Results are not yet available, but preliminary insights indicate promising avenues for digital interventions in Long COVID care.

Conclusions:

Digital interventions have potential to address unmet needs in managing cognitive and psychological symptoms in Long COVID. However, gaps in evidence and healthcare professionals’ familiarity with these tools may limit their implementation.

Points for discussion:

How can primary care systems better support the adoption of digital interventions?

What additional evidence is needed to standardize the use of these tools?

Strategies for increasing healthcare professionals’ confidence and training in digital health solutions.

#97