March 26: Corona check app launched in the province of Utrecht
Starting today, residents of the province of Utrecht can receive a digital diagnosis regarding a possible coronavirus infection. UMC Utrecht is introducing the OLVG corona check app in the province of Utrecht. This allows residents of the province to monitor their health and receive quick advice regarding a possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. In this app, users enter their health data daily, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or fever, and subsequently receive advice from a medical team at UMC Utrecht. The app is free and digitally guides residents of the province of Utrecht regarding their health during the pandemic of the new coronavirus.
UMC Utrecht provides the medical support, guidance, and rollout of the app, in close collaboration with GP organizations, the Municipal Health Service (GGD), and hospitals in the region. A medical team reviews the entered data daily. This team consists of trained medical students. They work under the supervision of GPs and pulmonologists affiliated with UMC Utrecht. Together, they review the data and provide advice regarding a possible coronavirus infection. Patients receive a message about this in the app. If symptoms warrant it, the medical team will call the patient to answer further questions about their health. If necessary, the team advises the patient to contact their own GP.
Cooperation
Digital health is an important theme for UMC Utrecht, especially in these times, because it helps ensure the right care is provided in the right place. The OLVG corona check is a prime example of this. For the OLVG corona check, UMC Utrecht is collaborating with the OLVG in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam-based company Luscii, and healthcare institutions in the province of Utrecht. The OLVG and Luscii developed the app, which is now being rolled out nationwide. If the patient receives advice to seek medical help based on the OLVG corona check, UMC Utrecht refers the patient to a healthcare provider in the Utrecht region. They then do not need to travel to Amsterdam.
Prof. Dr. Niek de Wit, Professor of General Practice: “This app quickly enables residents of the province of Utrecht to monitor their symptoms themselves in a responsible manner. And in doing so, it will help to limit the pressure on general practitioner and hospital care as much as possible during these difficult times.”
Sign up for OLVG corona check
You can register for the OLVG corona check via www.umcutrecht.nl/coronacheck. Please note: this app is not a substitute for regular care or emergency services. Are you seriously ill or is it an emergency? Then contact your treating physician or call 112. Also bear in mind that your symptoms may be caused by something other than the coronavirus.