In the context of the current pandemic, guidelines were issued by public health authorities to follow the progression of COVID-19 in the community, identify and treat affected people, and limit transmissions. About 90% of people with COVID-19 only exhibit mild symptoms and recover. However, a small percentage of people experience serious symptoms and require hospitalization for severe shortness of breath or low oxygen levels. The current public health protocol is to identify people with COVID-19 and isolate them from others at home to prevent the virus from spreading. Currently, there is no consensus on how to effectively follow-up and treat individuals with COVID-19 who are self-isolating at home. Research is urgently needed. This pilot study will assess the feasibility of one strategy for home-based COVID-19 follow-up . The Opal app for COVID is a mobile application that will allow the completion of a daily symptom and vital sign follow-up questionnaire that will be monitored by a healthcare team. Educational material will also be provided through the app. The study will especially assess the acceptability and usability of the smartphone app.
In collaboration with involved healthcare professionals and a patient advisory committee, this study tests the feasibility of using the Opal smartphone app to daily capture self-reported physical and psychological symptoms and vital signs among 50 people who are self-isolating at home with COVID-19. A healthcare team at Montreal's MUHC will remotely monitor their condition and offer advice and teleconsultations, as needed.