A Nurse-Led Omaha System-Based MHealth App in Managing Symptoms and Improving QoL in Patients with COVID-19: Study Protocol of RCT

Abstract

Timely management of COVID-19 symptoms at the primary care level is critical. Several mobile health applications have been developed, but they face limitations in data collection, transmission to healthcare professionals, and patient feedback systems. This study outlines a protocol for a RCT to assess a nurse-led mobile app based on the Omaha System in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in home-monitored COVID-19 patients. Conducted in Kocaeli, Türkiye, 60 participants aged 18-64 will be randomly assigned to groups (intervention=30, control=30). The intervention group will use the nurse-led Omaha System-based app; the control group will receive usual care. Study outcomes include physical, psychosocial, and cognitive symptoms and quality of life in home-monitored COVID-19 patients. The “Problem Rating Scale for Outcome” of the Omaha System will assess status parameters. The SF-12 will assess quality of life, and the System Usability Scale will assess app usability. Data will be collected at baseline, 1^st month, 2^nd month, and 3^rd month follow-up. In conclusion, structured, technology-enabled care models with standardized health terminology are important for improving patient outcomes during public health crises like COVID-19. For the first time, a mobile health app based on the nurse-led Omaha System will be developed to improve symptom management and quality of life in home-monitored COVID-19 patients. The study will provide insight for the implementation of the app in the community.