Selbstberichtetes COVID-19 Symptomtracking mit Hilfe einer anonymisierten On-line Umfrage

Our first study explored basic methodological standards in COVID -19 guideline development. Only 4% of the published guidelines were based on a systematic literature search and a structured consensus process by representative experts (classified as the highest methodological quality). Patients were included in the development of one guideline. A process for regular updates was described in 14%. An insufficient consideration of appropriate methodologies in the guideline development process could lead to misleading information, uncertainty among the professionals, and potentially harmful actions for patients. This paper provides an important benchmark for the future assessment of the quality of COVID - 19 guidelines.

Inaccurate measurement scales in questionnaires and symptom checklists jeopardizes the comparability of the results. In our second study, we therefore used advanced psychometric modelling to determine if the fundamental principles of measurement of an online self -reported COVID -19 symptom checklist were met or whether adaptations were necessary to increase measurement precision. We propose d a number of changes to increase the m easurement accuracy of the scale. Furthermore, we recommend that patients should be involved in the development of such checklists.