Toronto — December 3, 2021 — NexJ Health Inc. (NexJ Health), a provider of advanced virtual care solutions for chronic disease prevention and management, announces that researchers at The Ottawa Hospital will be evaluating the use of NexJ Connected Wellness in a clinical trial to deliver online care to patients suffering from long COVID symptoms. 

For many patients with COVID-19, symptoms cease within four weeks of infection. Unfortunately, more than 35% [1] of patients experience symptoms well beyond the acute infection phase. The most common symptoms include breathlessness and fatigue, as well as brain fog, psychiatric complications and cardiothoracic issues.  These symptoms persist and change over time and can lead to severe disability and feelings of hopelessness. Developing innovative intervention approaches for this population is incredibly important for alleviating suffering and improving the lives of those affected by the virus. 

In this Randomized Controlled Trial, patients will develop a rehabilitation and case management plan with their clinicians on NexJ Connected Wellness compared to current treatment as usual. The plan will include targets for activities, regular assessments to detect clinical changes to allow for early intervention if symptoms worsen, educational materials, and support with medication adherence. Treatment planning will be decided between the clinician and patient depending on the identified needs, and NexJ Connected Wellness will enable remote clinical support, regardless of geography.  

“We’re excited to partner with NexJ Health to evaluate the use of electronic case management for patients with long COVID on NexJ Connected Wellness,” says Dr. Simon Hatcher, Acting Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa and scientist at The Ottawa Hospital. “If this form of electronic intervention delivery for patients with long COVID has a positive effect on their quality of life, it could lead to significant benefits for thousands of people.” 

Throughout the global pandemic, virtual care has been essential for people getting the care they need, when they need it. NexJ Connected Wellness addresses the key components Dr. Hatcher and his team are seeking to evaluate as a clinical tool in their research study improving long COVID care. The clinical trial aims to identify strategies to manage the post COVID-19 condition, including understanding lessons learned for patient care both in and out of hospital. 

“NexJ Health is thrilled to partner with The Ottawa Hospital on supporting patients with long COVID,” said Dr. Noah Wayne, Vice President of Clinical Programs at NexJ Health. “NexJ Connected Wellness has already been evaluated in over 25 clinical research trials, which led to 16 peer-reviewed publications. We are pleased to expand our reach into clinical research to support something that has affected all of us on a global scale.” 

NexJ Health continues to expand the evidence-based programs delivered on NexJ Connected Wellness, supporting both physical and mental health. This project is a key example of how NexJ Health’s configurable platform and polychronic approach are used to support a broad range of healthcare needs, including those related to COVID-19, while supporting world-class research institutions in conducting their clinical trials. 

This study is funded through a peer-reviewed grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research awarded to Dr. Hatcher. It is sponsored by the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. A key objective of the study is to determine the cost-effectiveness and scalability of NexJ Connected Wellness in the treatment of long COVID. 

ABOUT NEXJ HEALTH INC. 
NexJ Health Inc. is a provider of patient-facing population health management solutions that deliver patient engagement for chronic disease prevention and management. At NexJ Health, we believe that the most efficient and cost-effective way to offset the rise in chronic disease is to empower patients, with the support of their families, friends, and healthcare professionals, to actively participate in managing their own chronic condition(s). By engaging patients through NexJ Connected Wellness, we help to achieve healthcare’s 5-part aim: improve the patient experience, improve population health, lower the per capita cost of care, increase provider satisfaction, and deliver business efficiency. For more information about NexJ Health visit www.nexjhealth.com, e-mail info@nexjhealth.com, or call 416-227-3700. 

ABOUT THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL  

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals, where excellent care is inspired by research and driven by compassion. As the third-largest employer in Ottawa, our support staff, researchers, nurses, physicians, and volunteers never stop seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, attracts some of the most influential scientific minds from around the world. Backed by generous support from the community, we are committed to providing the world-class, compassionate care we would want for our loved ones. www.ohri.ca For more information about the ECORT Trial, please visit www.hatchingideaslab.com   

[1] Tenforde MW, Kim SS, Lindsell CJ, et al. Symptom Duration and Risk Factors for Delayed Return to Usual Health Among Outpatients with COVID-19 in a Multistate Health Care Systems Network — United States, March–June 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(30):993-998. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6930e1 

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