The Altea Long COVID Network association advocates for the needs of those affected by Long COVID. As a liaison between the medical professionals, national and cantonal health institutions, researchers, industry, and patients, Altea involves all stakeholders in order to combine and mediate their interests. The focus is clearly on high-quality information for those affected and on generating more attention for the topic of Long COVID.
The Altea editorial team follows clear principles to ensure the quality of the content published on Altea and to maintain the scientific integrity of the association. In this blog, we outline the principles underlying our publications, how decisions are made about what content to publish, and who is involved in Altea's editorial processes.
Evidence
Content published on Altea must be supported by clinical studies and scientific publications. To assess the quality of a publication, there are several criteria that we have already summarized in a previous blog on how to deal with scientific studies. For example, for blogs on medical topics, publications that have undergone peer review (multi-level review of content by recognized experts in the field) are used. If an article contains data from preprints that have not yet undergone such quality control, this will be clearly stated. In the case of articles on therapies and treatment recommendations, in addition to the quality check by the Altea editorial team of PhD scientists, the assessment of experts in the respective therapy field is also obtained.
It is important to clearly separate opinion from scientific evidence. To fully illuminate the topic of Long COVID, it is necessary to present opinions from different parties. A clear distinction is made between when the editorial team reports on clinical and scientific evidence and when the opinions of individual experts or those affected are presented.
Topicality
When choosing which topics to include in our Blogs and Guidebooks, we are guided by current research and news on social issues, supported by inputs from our community members and the Altea Expert Board.
Through members of our Expert Board and regular research, we receive up-to-date information on new treatment options and clinical developments. Especially for the creation of the Altea Guidebooks, we work closely with specialists in the respective therapeutic area.
The constant direct exchange with people affected by Long COVID in our community and the personal testimonials help us to be able to respond to the needs of those affected. Topics that are discussed in our community are examined by the Altea editorial team for scientific evidence and included if they prove to be backed up by research.
We stay true to our principles
Integrity
Our goal is to provide evidence-based information to help people affected by Long COVID manage their symptoms through immediate self-management tips and to build a solid knowledge base. Well-informed patients can significantly contribute to improving care. We want to encourage patients and support them on their journey.
To this end, it is important that our principles and quality standards cannot be influenced and that Altea remains independent. We would therefore like to emphasize that none of Altea's partners and supporters have any influence on the editorial content of the Altea platform. We are always open to feedback and are happy to implement suggestions for improvement, as long as they do not affect the integrity of Altea.
Hopefulness
Long COVID is, in many cases, a chronic condition that places an enormous burden on those affected and their social environment. It is still unclear why some patients recover more quickly, and others are still ill. This uncertainty triggers anxiety. That's why Altea's mission is to encourage those affected, e.g., by sharing news and testimonials that report treatment successes.
