Co-designing an app and wearable for tracking symptoms of rare diseases

CZI Rare As One: Co-designing an App and Wearable Based Compass for Rare Diseases

Observational 4YouandMe · NCT06907953

This study is testing a new app and wearable device to help people with rare diseases track their symptoms and daily life over five months.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
Sponsor4YouandMe Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06907953 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CZI Rare As One initiative focuses on co-designing and pilot testing a symptom tracking app and wearable devices for patients with rare diseases, including Long COVID, pancreatitis, sarcoidosis, VCP disease, and PCD. The study aims to recruit approximately 250 participants, with around 50 individuals from each disease group, who will use the app and wearables over a 5-month period. Participants will receive bi-weekly check-ins from research staff to provide support and gather feedback. The app will collect data on symptoms, disease burden, quality of life, and daily routines through self-reported surveys and passive data collection from mobile devices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 and older (14+ for PCD) with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of Long COVID, pancreatitis, sarcoidosis, VCP disease, or PCD.

Not a fit: Patients without access to a personal mobile device or those not residing in the US may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance symptom management and quality of life for patients with rare diseases through improved self-monitoring.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative in its co-design aspect, similar studies using digital health tools for symptom tracking have shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
GENERAL INCLUSION CRITERIA

* 18+ years (except 14+ years for the PCD sub-arm)
* own a personal mobile device and use this phone to download and use the app for the study
* resides in the US
* be willing to use the study wearable devices
* have a clinician confirmed or suspected diagnosis of one of the 5 rare conditions as defined below in the cohort specific inclusion criteria below:

Long COVID sub-arm:

* have experienced Long COVID for at least 3 months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive condition; and
* have experienced within the past week at least one or more of the following symptoms that started or significantly worsened following a COVID infection: shortness of breath, cough, persistent fatigue, post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms or fatigue after minimal activity), difficulty concentrating, memory changes, recurring headache, lightheadedness, fast heart rate, sleep disturbance, problems with taste or smell, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
* symptom(s) of COVID significantly impact your ability to work, ability to give care, enjoy recreational activities or reduce your quality of life
* Own a personal iPhone 8 (iOS 16+) or Android smartphone (version 12 or newer)

Sarcoidosis sub-arm

* have a diagnosis of sarcoidosis confirmed by a doctor, and have experienced fatigue for at least 2 days in the past month
* Own a personal iPhone 6s (iOS 15+) or Android smartphone (version 12 or newer)

Pancreatitis sub-arm

* have a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis confirmed by a doctor, have had at least 1 pancreatitis flare in the past year, and have not had a surgery that completely removed the pancreas
* Own a personal iPhone 6s (iOS 15+) or Android smartphone (version 12 or newer)

VCP disease sub-arm

* have a clinician confirmed pathogenic VCP mutation or a family history of VCP disease, and are experiencing symptoms associated with the disease
* Own a personal iPhone 8 (iOS 16+) or Android smartphone (version 12 or newer)

PCD sub-arm

* a genetic test that confirms two abnormal copies (one on each gene) of a gene associated with PCD. These abnormalities must be classified as "pathogenic" or "likely pathogenic."; Or an abnormal electron microscopy cilia biopsy done in a PCD center.; and symptoms consistent with PCD.
* Own a personal iPhone 8 (iOS 16+) or Android smartphone (version 12 or newer)

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pancreatitis, ChronicSarcoidosisVCP DiseaseLong COVIDPCDSymptoms and SignsWearables
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.