STIMULATE-ICP

STIMULATE-ICP or Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long-COVID to Address and Transform Existing Integrated Care Pathways is a large research consortium running a number of trials to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of Long COVID patients.

Aims
According to STIMULATE-ICP: "The overall programme aims to work out what long COVID is, how to diagnose it and how to manage it. The team will interview patients and health professionals and analyse data from NHS records,to inform understanding of patterns of long COVID and the outcomes of current clinical practice. Researchers will work alongside patients to improve access to care and support, and to address care inequalities."

Consortium members
Over 30 different researchers and 30 different organizations are involved, including long COVID patient groups.

Clinical trials
A number of different clinical trials will be run by STIMULATE-ICP, involving over 4,500 patients, and will include:
 * a new care pathway, with "enhanced rehabilitation" using the 'Living with COVID Recovery' digital platform
 * a drug trial testing several different drugs
 * a "usual care" pathway

Lead investigators

 * Amitava Banerjee - University College London
 * Melissa Heightman - University College Hospital

Other investigators

 * Elizabeth Murray
 * Paula Lorgelly

News articles and interviews

 * Jul 2021, New clinical trial aims to improve diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of long COVID - National Institute of Health Research

Online presence

 * PubMed
 * Twitter
 * Facebook
 * Website
 * YouTube

Learn more

 * STIMULATE-ICP: Understanding long COVID to improve diagnosis, treatment and care