In addition to acute illnesses, the COVID-19 pandemic also brought with it another, lasting burden on the healthcare system: long-term and post-COVID-19. Diagnosing and treating this new condition poses significant challenges for general practitioners. The AmRe-LoCO project (Digitally Supported Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation for Long-Term COVID-19 Syndrome), funded by the Hessian Ministry for Social Affairs and Integration, is therefore researching a hybrid rehabilitation concept designed to provide faster assistance to those affected while simultaneously relieving the burden on medical practices.
“By funding this project, we are supporting the development of a sustainable outpatient and digitally supported care concept for long-COVID patients,” says Hesse’s Minister of Health, Kai Klose. “In this way, we are contributing to the care of those affected and relieving the burden on healthcare providers and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.” Prof. Dr. Susanne Hanefeld, Professor of Health Services Research and Rehabilitation at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM), explains: “In this project, we want to combine outpatient and digital services for the benefit of the patients.”
The aim is to close existing gaps in care. Those affected by long-term and post-COVID symptoms repeatedly report delayed or incorrect diagnoses, difficulties finding treatment options, and even inappropriate treatments. Their quality of life and ability to function suffer. This project, led by the Lahn-Dill Regional Physicians' Network (ANR eV), aims to prevent such problems. Scientific leadership is provided by the Willy Robert Pitzer Institute for Health Services Research and Rehabilitation at the Department THMHealth, headed by Prof. Hanefeld, with support from, among others, pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Prof. Dr. med. Koehler and his team at the Department of Internal Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg. In addition to other medical and non-medical partners, the Center for Telemedicine (ZTM) in Bad Kissingen is also involved.
“We want to optimize processes in general practitioners’ offices,” says Dr. Peter Franz, general practitioner in Ehringshausen and chairman of ANR eV, outlining one of the project’s goals. To this end, the three-year project, which began in September, will provide scientific support and guidance to long-COVID patients from the Lahn-Dill region, in addition to their regular primary and specialist care. The program includes outpatient services such as physiotherapy and psychotherapy, rehabilitation sports, and self-help groups, combined with digital offerings via a telemedicine platform provided by ZTM. Possible services include sports and physiotherapy programs for home use, relaxation exercises, video consultations, and informational events.
Rehabilitation services are designed to be individually tailored to each patient. Medical and scientific advisors will be available to support them throughout the project. This aims to reduce waiting times, avoid costly misdiagnosis, and prevent the development of chronic conditions. "We hope this project will improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients. Furthermore, it will raise awareness among general practitioners about this condition and relieve the burden on them when caring for long-COVID patients," says Prof. Koehler.
Prof. Susanne Hanefeld emphasizes the lasting benefits of the AmRe-LoCO project, which is funded with two million euros: the design and subsequent implementation of new forms of care in the everyday lives of those affected, incorporating digital innovations. "This is research entirely in the public interest," comments THMPresident Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems: The direct benefit for people with severe health limitations is the focus – and the scientific monitoring allows the later application of the lessons learned to other medical conditions.