As we move forward with the development of the Open-OH app, we’ve chosen to initially focus on supporting those affected by Long COVID with further research needed to confidently support people with Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS or PoTS.
This is grounded in both the current healthcare landscape and our team’s extensive background in clinical and healthcare settings. Although we are in the early stages of creating the full app, our journey so far has been shaped by years of experience and the lessons we’ve learned.
Over the years, our clinical system the C19-YRS has been recommended by NHS England, NHS Scotland, and NICE, and we’ve supported over 60+ NHS organizations as well as nationally funded research projects across the UK—all on a not-for-profit basis.
We’ve also been nationally licensed by NHS Scotland, provided support to clinics and universities in Australia and the Republic of Ireland, and received recognition from the British Medical Journal, NHS Confederation, and the AHSN Network.
Up until now, our primary focus has been on supporting patients in the clinical setting. But in the background, we have been working on developing the Open-OH app which will be available for a global audience, irrespective of direct clinical support. This will allow anyone, anywhere, to download the app, record symptoms, access vital support resources, and, we hope, contribute to driving more research and government funding into Long COVID and other related long term conditions like Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS or PoTS.
Our extensive clinical experience has shown us that many people with Long COVID aren’t able to access specialist clinics due to long waiting lists. That’s why we believe the Open-OH app can be a game-changer, giving individuals the tools they need to manage their symptoms first-hand.
We’re also proud to partner with world-leading clinicians, researchers, and a network of people with lived experience of chronic conditions to develop a digital solution that can help others on their journey.
While Long COVID is our initial focus, we recognize from our PPIE group (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement) and research conducted by our advisors that Open-OH could also benefit people with other long-term conditions impacted by post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PEM). These conditions include ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and PoTS. As we continue conversations with stakeholders and PPIE members, we’ll work to adapt the app to meet the needs of these communities directly.
If you’d like to learn more about our clinical work, feel free to visit C19-YRS.com, or reach out to us with any questions or suggestions through our contact form or by emailing us at open-oh@elaros.com.
Until next time,
The Open-OH Team
