Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Taking part (Eligibility & joining)
- How can I find out if I am eligible?
- Why might I not be eligible?
- Is this study only looking at adults?
- I believe I may have symptoms but no diagnosis — am I eligible?
- Do I need a formal diagnosis of LC or ME/CFS to participate?
- How do I know if I have been seen at a specialist NHS clinic?
- If I have been seen by other specialist clinics, am I still eligible?
- If I have received private care, can I still take part?
- If I have multiple conditions, can I still participate?
- Why do I need to have had symptoms for at least 2 years?
- Why are you recruiting people who have not accessed specialist care?
- What happens if I start accessing specialist care during the study?
- What happens if I receive a different diagnosis?
- How can I find out if there is a specialist clinic near me?
2. About the study
- Why is it important to participate in this study?
- Who are the researchers/groups involved?
- Who is funding the study?
- How have you involved the lived-experience community?
- What case definitions are being used?
- What do we mean by clinical and non-clinical cohorts?
- How many participants will be included?
- How and why were study sites chosen?
- Do any study sites include people with severe/very severe ME?
- How were outcome measures chosen and what do they measure?
- Where can I find the research questions?
3. What taking part involves
- How much time will questionnaires/interviews take?
- Can I complete surveys more often than requested?
- Can I choose when to do interviews/questionnaires?
- What if I am not well enough?
- Is it better to complete questionnaires on one day or several?
- Do I have to attend appointments in person?
4. Taking part: practical support and accessibility
- Is this study open to all levels of severity?
- Can I get paper questionnaires?
- Is there telephone support?
- Can a caregiver or support person help me participate?
- Is anyone available to help me fill in the survey?
5. Benefits, risks and compensation
- Will I be compensated for taking part?
- What are the possible benefits of taking part?
- What are the possible disadvantages or risks?
- Will I receive any additional treatment or support?
6. Flexibility, withdrawal and participation changes
7. Data, confidentiality and safety
- Will my data be kept confidential?
- How will you use information collected about me?
- Who is responsible for looking after my data?
- How will you use data after the study ends?
- Is this study linked to my NHS/private care?
- Are there circumstances where you may contact my GP/healthcare team?
8. Timeline, results and outputs
9. Support, concerns and contacts
- Who can I contact if I have questions?
- What do I do if I have concerns/complaints during the research?
10. Long COVID / ME information and resources
11. Helping the study and recruitment
- Is there a poster I can print and share?
- Can I follow the study on social media?
- Do you have posts I can share?
- If I’m not eligible, is there another way I can support the study?
12. App (Autonom-e) and technical questions
- Why can’t I see the HERITAGE study in the app?
- I’ve completed some questionnaires — have I joined?
- What should I do if I can’t access the study?
- How do I join the study (video)?
- Do I need help to use the app?
How can I find out if I am eligible?
The easiest way to check your eligibility is to answer a few simple questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join the HERITAGE Study
These questions cover things like your age, where you live, your symptoms, and whether you have used a specialist NHS Long COVID or ME/CFS service.
In general, you may be able to take part if you:
- are aged 18 or over
- live in the UK
- are able to give informed consent
- have had symptoms of Long COVID or ME/CFS for 2 years or more
Why might I not be eligible?
There are a few reasons why you may not be eligible to take part in the HERITAGE study. These include if you:
- are under 18 or do not live in the UK
- are unable to give informed consent
- have had symptoms for less than 2 years
- are receiving (or are due to receive) care from a specialist NHS Long COVID or ME/CFS clinic that is not part of the HERITAGE study
These criteria help ensure that we are comparing similar groups of participants so that the study results are meaningful and reliable.
The easiest way to check your eligibility is to follow the stepby-step questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join the HERITAGE Study
If you are not currently eligible, there are still ways you can support the study, such as sharing information with others who may be able to take part.
Is this study only looking at adults?
Yes. HERITAGE is specifically studying adults (people aged 18 and over).
This focus allows us to design the study in a way that is appropriate for adult experiences of Long COVID and ME/CFS, including the questionnaires used and the types of services being studied. Research involving children and young people requires different study designs, measures, and ethical considerations.
If further funding becomes available in the future, it may be possible to consider a study specifically focused on children and young people.
I believe I may have symptoms but no diagnosis — am I eligible?
The easiest way to check your eligibility is to follow the step-by-step questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join
In general, you will need either:
- a diagnosis of Long COVID or ME/CFS, or
- to have been referred for assessment
The Join page will guide you through what applies in your situation and what to do next.
If you are still unsure, please contact the study team and we will be happy to help.
Do I need a formal diagnosis of LC or ME/CFS to participate?
To take part in the HERITAGE study, you will need either:
- a diagnosis of Long COVID or ME/CFS, or
- to have been referred for an assessment and diagnosis
The easiest way to check your eligibility and next steps is to follow the step-by-step questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join the HERITAGE Study
How you join the study will depend on your care:
- If you are receiving care from one of the participating HERITAGE clinics, you may be enrolled through your clinic
- If you are not under a specialist NHS clinic (and have not received specialist NHS care in the last 3 years), you can join independently via the study app
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the study team and we will be happy to advise.
How do I know if I have been seen at a specialist NHS clinic?
A Long COVID or ME/CFS specialist clinic usually refers to a dedicated NHS service that focuses specifically on these conditions, often based in a hospital outpatient department or a community specialist service.
It does not usually include:
- seeing your GP (even if they have a special interest in ME/CFS or Long COVID)
- appointments with other specialist clinics (for example PoTS clinics, cardiology, rheumatology, allergy, or similar services), even if these are related to your symptoms
If you are unsure, you can check:
- clinic letters, emails, or appointment information that include the name of the service
- the NHS App or other apps such as Airmid UK
- with your GP surgery, who can confirm the service you were referred to
For this study, we are specifically referring to NHS specialist Long COVID or ME/CFS clinics. Private clinics are not counted in the same way for eligibility purposes.
If you are still unsure, please contact the study team and we will be happy to help.
If I have been seen by other specialist clinics, am I still eligible?
Yes, you may still be eligible to take part.
For this study, we specifically refer to dedicated NHS Long COVID or ME/CFS specialist clinics. Being seen by other specialist services, even if they are related to your symptoms, does not count as attending a Long COVID or ME/CFS specialist clinic.
This includes clinics such as:
- PoTS clinics
- cardiology or respiratory services
- rheumatology
- allergy or other specialty services
- Private Practice
If you have not been seen by a dedicated Long COVID or ME/CFS specialist NHS clinic in the last 3 years, you may still be eligible to take part in the study.
The easiest way to check your eligibility and next steps is to follow the step-by-step questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join the HERITAGE Study
If you are still unsure, please contact the study team and we will be happy to help: 📧 [email protected]
If I have received private care, can I still take part?
Yes, you may still be eligible to take part.
For the purposes of this study, we specifically refer to NHS specialist Long COVID or ME/CFS clinics when determining eligibility. Receiving care from a private specialist clinic does not count in the same way.
If you have not received care from an NHS Long COVID or ME/CFS specialist clinic in the last 3 years, you may still be eligible to take part in the study.
The easiest way to check your eligibility and next steps is to follow the step-by-step questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join the HERITAGE Study
If you are unsure, please contact the study team and we will be happy to help: 📧 [email protected]
If I have multiple conditions, can I still participate?
Yes, you may still be eligible to take part.
Many people living with Long COVID and ME/CFS have other health conditions, and some people may experience a worsening of existing conditions following COVID-19 or the onset of long-term symptoms.
For this study, what matters is whether you meet the eligibility criteria for Long COVID or ME/CFS (for example, having a diagnosis or being referred for assessment), and whether you have attended a dedicated Long COVID or ME/CFS specialist clinic in the last 3 years.
Receiving care from other specialist clinics (for example cardiology, rheumatology, or other services related to pre-existing conditions) does not affect your eligibility in the same way.
The easiest way to check your eligibility and next steps is to follow the step-by-step questions on our Join page:
👉 Check your eligibility and how to join the HERITAGE Study
If you are unsure, please contact the study team and we will be happy to help: 📧 [email protected]
Why do I need to have had symptoms for at least 2 years?
We are focusing on people who have had symptoms for 2 years or more because we want to understand the longer-term impact of Long COVID and ME/CFS. This helps us explore how these conditions affect people’s lives over time, and how well health services are supporting people with ongoing needs.
By focusing on longer-term experiences, we can better understand what is working well in current services and where improvements are needed.
If you are not currently eligible because your symptoms have been present for less than 2 years, we understand that this may feel frustrating. There are still important ways you can support the study:
- sharing information about HERITAGE with your GP surgery or community
- sharing our study information on social media
- encouraging others who may be eligible to take part
If you know someone who may be eligible but finds it difficult to take part, you can also support them by helping them join the study or complete questionnaires.
We really value all forms of support in helping us improve understanding and future care for people with Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Why are you recruiting people who have not accessed specialist care?
HERITAGE includes people who are receiving specialist NHS care as well as those who are not. This is important because it allows us to understand and compare different experiences of care and support.
Some people do not have access to specialist NHS clinics, while others may face long waiting times or challenges getting a referral. By including both groups, we can better understand what is working well in specialist NHS services and what support people receive when they are managing their condition without specialist NHS care. This will help inform improvements to NHS services in the future.
If you are not eligible to take part because you have accessed a non-HERITAGE specialist NHS clinic, there are still important ways you can support the study:
- sharing information about HERITAGE with your GP practice or community
- sharing our study information via social media
- encouraging others who may be eligible to take part
If you know someone who may be eligible but finds it difficult to take part, you could also support them by helping them join the study or complete questionnaires (with their consent).
We really value all forms of support in helping improve understanding and future care for people living with Long COVID and ME/CFS.
What happens if I start accessing specialist care during the study?
If you begin accessing specialist care during the study, your participation may still continue.
However, for the purposes of the research, whether your data can be included in the final analysis depends on the type of service you access. The study is designed to compare people receiving care from specific specialist NHS clinics participating in HERITAGE with those who are not receiving specialist NHS care.
If you begin accessing care from a specialist NHS clinic participating in HERITAGE:
- Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
- Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
your participation can continue as part of the clinical cohort.
If you begin accessing care from a different specialist NHS clinic during the study:
- your participation may continue, but
- your data may not be included in the main analysis, as it would no longer fit the study groups being compared
The research team will guide you if any changes apply and explain what this means for your participation.
If you already expect to start treatment at a specialist clinic (not listed above) in the near future, it may be best not to enrol in the study, as we may not be able to use your data in the final analysis. If you are unsure, please contact the study team and we will be happy to advise.
What happens if I receive a different diagnosis?
Please contact the study team as soon as possible if this situation applies to you, so we can advise you on next steps: 📧 [email protected]
If, following assessment, your clinician decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Long COVID or ME/CFS, your data will not be included in the final study analysis.
However, the information you have provided may still be used to help us better understand diagnosis pathways and how people are assessed for these conditions.
How can I find out if there is a specialist clinic near me?
The first step is to speak with your GP about your symptoms. They can help assess your situation and advise whether referral to a specialist Long COVID or ME/CFS service is appropriate.
Specialist services are usually accessed through GP referral rather than self-referral. Not all areas have the same level of service provision, and your GP will be able to advise what is available locally.
You may also find the following resources helpful when preparing for a discussion with your GP:
NHS and clinical guidance:
-
- NHS information on Long COVID and ME/CFS
- NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for Long COVID and ME/CFS
- NHS e‑learning resources for healthcare professionals (for example, ME/CFS training modules)
Charities and specialist organisations:
These organisations can provide information about symptoms, services, and how to approach conversations with healthcare professionals. Some also offer support lines or community guidance.
If you are unsure how to start this conversation, these resources may help you explain your symptoms and ask about referral options.
Why is it important to participate in this study?
HERITAGE aims to improve understanding of Long Covid and ME/CFS and how NHS services support people living with these conditions. By taking part, you help researchers learn what works well, where gaps exist, and how services could be improved in the future. While there may be no direct benefit to you, your contribution can help shape better care for others.
Who are the researchers/groups involved?
HERITAGE is led by researchers from the University of Leeds, working with colleagues at the University of Leicester and the University of Oxford, alongside NHS services and patient representatives across the UK. Visit the Profiles Page for more information.
Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). More information can be found at https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR174857
How have you involved the lived-experience community?
People with lived experience of Long Covid and ME/CFS, carers, and patient representatives have been involved throughout the design of HERITAGE. They have helped shape the research questions, study materials, outcome measures, plans for recruitment and accessibility. They also helped write these FAQs.
What case definitions are being used?
The study uses established NHS and research definitions, including:
What do we mean by clinical and non-clinical cohorts?
Clinical cohort - This includes people who:
Are currently receiving care from an NHS Long Covid or ME/CFS specialist service from a participating HERITAGE site:
- Leeds Community Health Care NHS Trust
- Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Or in the last 3 years, have received specialist services from a participating HERITAGE site
Non-clinical cohort - This includes people who:
- Have a diagnosis of LC and/or ME/CFS or waiting to be seen for a diagnosis at a specialist long covid or ME/CFS clinic after referral from their GP.
- Are not currently receiving care or not received care from a specialist NHS service in the last 3 years
- Might be getting some support from your GP, Private practice, community services, charities, peer support groups or might be self-managing your condition
Both groups are equally important to the study. By including people who are receiving specialist NHS care and those who are not, we can better understand different experiences of care and support. This allows us to compare what is working well in specialist NHS services with the experiences of people who do not currently have access to them, helping to inform improvements to services in the future.
How many participants will be included?
We aim to recruit around 3,000 participants in total.
- Approximately 2,000 participants will be recruited from specialist NHS clinics (clinical cohort)
- Approximately 1,000 participants will be recruited from people who do not currently have access to specialist NHS services (non-clinical cohort)
In terms of conditions, we expect:
- Around 2,500 participants with Long COVID
- Around 500 participants with ME/CFS
This difference reflects how common these conditions are in the population, with Long COVID affecting a larger number of people than ME/CFS in the UK. The study aims to broadly reflect this distribution so that the findings are relevant and meaningful at a population level.
Including both groups allows us to compare different experiences of care and better understand how services support people with these conditions.
How and why were study sites chosen?
We chose study sites that reflect a range of different ways that care for Long COVID and ME/CFS is delivered across the NHS.
The participating sites:
- have different clinical teams and specialties leading their services
- use different approaches to organising care (for example, whether Long COVID and ME/CFS services are separate or more integrated)
- serve populations with different needs and settings, including both urban and more rural areas
By including this range of services, we can compare how different approaches to care are experienced by patients. This will help us understand what works well, what could be improved, and what models of care may be most effective in the future.
Do any study sites include people with severe/very severe ME?
Yes. We aim to include people with mild, moderate, severe and very severe Long COVID and ME/CFS. This includes people who are housebound or bedbound, and we aim to make participation as accessible and flexible as possible.
The participating HERITAGE clinical sites are:
- Leeds Community Health Care NHS Trust
- Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
These services see people with a wide range of symptom severity, including those with more complex or severe illness. Most care within these services is provided in outpatient or community settings rather than through dedicated inpatient units.
How were outcome measures chosen and what do they measure?
We selected questionnaires that have been widely used in research and are designed to provide clear and meaningful information about people’s experiences.
We worked closely with our Patient Advisory Group when choosing these measures, including their input into the inclusion of the functional capacity questionnaire. We also aimed to keep the number of questionnaires as small as possible, and chose shorter measures where we could, to reduce the burden on participants.
The questionnaires we use measure:
- Symptoms associated with ME/CFS or Long COVID (e.g. DePaul Symptom Questionnaire – Short Form [DSQ-SF])
- Quality of life (e.g. EQ-5D-5L)
- Functional capacity for a range of daily activities (e.g. FUNCAP-27)
- The financial and wider impact of your condition (Health Economics Questionnaire)
- Your use of NHS and private healthcare services
Where can I find the research questions?
https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15375673
How much time will questionnaires/interviews take?
Questionnaires are designed to be completed in short sessions and can be completed over multiple sittings.
With input from our Patient Advisory Group, we have designed the questionnaires to minimise burden, and we estimate that completing a full set will take around 60 minutes in total.
It is preferable for all questionnaires to be completed on the same day, as this helps provide the best quality data for the study. However, please prioritise your health and take the time you need. Your wellbeing is the most important thing.
Interviews are one-off and typically last up to one hour, with breaks as needed. Where preferred, interviews can be split across different days.
Can I complete surveys more often than requested?
For this study, questionnaires are designed to be completed at specific time points (for example, when you first join the study and then every 3 months for 12 months in total).
We are only able to use data collected at these scheduled time points. If questionnaires are completed more often than requested, this additional data will not be included in the study analysis.
Completing questionnaires more frequently may also influence how you answer questions over time. To ensure the data is consistent and comparable across all participants, we ask everyone to complete questionnaires only at the scheduled times.
If you would like to track your symptoms more frequently for your own purposes, you are welcome to do so, but for the HERITAGE study, please only complete questionnaires when they are scheduled.
Can I choose when to do interviews/questionnaires?
Yes. Participation is flexible.
You can complete questionnaires at a time that suits you and in a way that works best for your health.
It is helpful for each set of questionnaires to be completed within the same day (or within 48 hours) where possible, but you can take breaks and spread them out as needed.
You can arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time.
What if I am not well enough?
That’s completely fine. You can pause, reschedule, or stop at any time. Your health and wellbeing come first.
If you have started completing a set of questionnaires but feel unwell, it is best to return and complete a full set together (within 24-48 hours) when you feel able. This helps us make the best use of your data.
Is it better to complete questionnaires on one day or several?
It is preferable for questionnaires to be completed on the same day where possible, as this helps provide the most consistent and reliable data for the study.
We understand that people living with Long COVID and ME/CFS may need to work at their own pace and manage their energy carefully. Your health and wellbeing should always come first.
If you need to take breaks, completing a set of questionnaires within 24–48 hours is generally acceptable for the purposes of the study. However, if this is not possible, that is absolutely fine. Please do what works best for you.
You can also take breaks during interviews or arrange to complete them over more than one session if needed. Your contribution is always valuable and appreciated.
Do I have to attend appointments in person?
No. Questionnaires can be completed on the phone app, online or on paper.
Please contact the study team at [email protected] to request paper questionnaires.
Any interviews can be conducted over the phone or on a video call.
Is this study open to all levels of severity?
Yes. We aim to include people with mild, moderate, severe and very severe Long Covid and ME/CFS.
This includes people who are housebound or bedbound.
We offer flexible ways to take part and aim to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.
Please reach out to [email protected] or ring 0113 3924 734 with any queries around accessibility.
Can I get paper questionnaires?
Yes. You can request paper questionnaires if you find the app or website difficult.
Please contact the study team at [email protected] or telephone 0113 3924 734 to discuss alternative formats that will work for you.
Is there telephone support?
App and Questionnaires: 0113 3924 734
Interviews: 0116 373 6741 or 0116 252 2673
You can also email: [email protected]
Can a caregiver or support person help me participate?
Yes. A family member, carer, friend or other support person can help you take part, including helping you complete questionnaires or supporting you during interviews.
Is anyone available to help me fill in the survey?
We are not able to help people fill in questionnaires.
You can ask a family member, carer, friend or support person to help you complete questionnaires or support you during interviews.
You can also contact the study team to discuss alternatives such as paper questionnaires.
Email [email protected] or telephone 0113 3924 734
Will I be compensated for taking part?
No. Participants are not paid for taking part and taking part is entirely voluntary.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
There are no direct benefits to you for taking part, but we hope that it will improve the care of people with Long COVID and/or ME/CFS in the future.
You might find it helps to track your symptoms over time using the app or website we provide for the research. You can also show the information you have collected to your GP or other healthcare staff.
The app also links to useful information from the NHS and charities helping people with Long COVID and/or ME/CFS, however note that these are not associated with our research project.
What are the possible disadvantages or risks?
You may find completing the survey and/or taking part in interview tiring or sometimes upsetting.
If you are tired or upset, you can take a break or ask for help from family, friends, or carers.
If you find the research is too much for you, then you can stop. You can do this at any time. You do not have to give us a reason.
Will I receive any additional treatment or support?
No. This research is not about testing new treatments.
We only collect information about your experiences.
If you are receiving specialist care via a clinic, that care will continue and will not be affected by this study.
However, the findings of the study may influence services in the future.
Can I withdraw from the study?
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary.
You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason by emailing us at [email protected].
If you have any concerns about your ability to continue participating in the study, please do reach out to us to see if we can offer any support or adjustments to help you to continue to participate.
Will my data still be useful if I withdraw early?
Yes. You can stop being part of the study at any time, without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care in any way.
If you withdraw, we will keep and use the information you have already provided (as outlined in the consent form). Even partial data is valuable and helps us to better understand people’s experiences of Long COVID and ME/CFS.
We collect information over time to understand how these conditions change and how services support people, but any information you are able to provide still makes an important contribution.
If you agreed (on your consent form), your data may also be used for future research related to this study.
Will my data be kept confidential?
Yes. All information is stored securely and handled in line with UK data protection laws.
Your data will be handled securely and used only for research purposes in line with UK data protection laws.
For more details, see our Privacy Notice: HERITAGE Privacy Notice for Participants | Data protection at the University
We will keep all information about you safe and secure by:
- Using secure systems to store your data
- Limiting access only to people who need it
- Removing your name and contact details wherever possible
- Keeping audit trails to show who has accessed your data and why
How will you use information collected about me?
We need to use information from you for this research project.
This information will include your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Contact details
- NHS number (for clinic cohort participants)
People will use this information to do the research or to check your records to make sure that the research is being done properly.
People who do not need to know who you are will not be able to see your name or contact details. Your data will have a code number instead.
You can stop being part of the study at any time, without giving a reason, but we will keep information about you that we already have.
You have the right to ask us to access, remove, change or delete data we hold about you for the purposes of the study. You can also object to our processing of your data. We might not always be able to do this if it means we cannot use your data to do the research. If so, we will tell you why we cannot do this.
If you agree to take part in this study, you will have the option to take part in future research using your data saved from this study.
Who is responsible for looking after my data?
University of Leeds is the sponsor of this research.
University of Leeds is responsible for looking after your information. We will share your information related to this research project with the following types of organisations:
- The University of Leeds (research sponsor)
- The University of Oxford (research partner)
- The University of Leicester (research partner)
- ELAROS 24/7 Ltd (approved data processor providing the app and secure platform)
- NHS staff at participating clinics (only where relevant to your care and to the study)
How will you use data after the study ends?
Once we have finished the study, we will keep some of the data so we can check the results. We will write our reports in a way that no-one can work out that you took part in the study.
We will keep your study data for a maximum of five years. The study data will then be fully anonymised and securely archived or destroyed.
Is this study linked to my NHS/private care?
No. Taking part will not affect your routine NHS/ private care in any way.
Are there circumstances where you may contact my GP/healthcare team?
In the rare event that you disclose information which indicates that you or someone else may be at risk of harm, we may need to take appropriate action to ensure safety. This may include breaching confidentiality and sharing relevant information with appropriate health or social care professionals or safeguarding services.
Where possible, we would seek to discuss this with you before taking any action. However, if there is a serious concern or an immediate risk of harm, we may need to act without your consent.
If we have concerns about your wellbeing or care needs during the study that do not indicate immediate risk, we may signpost you to relevant support services or other sources of help.
Until when can I take part in the study?
We plan to recruit participants until January 2027.
Once enrolled, participants may be followed up for up to 12 months, meaning we expect data collection to continue until January 2028.
What outputs will come from the study?
Outputs will include research reports, academic papers, and plain-language summaries. These will be shared via the HERITAGE website and through patient and charity networks. We will also post these on our social media channels, such as on Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter/X and YouTube
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can contact the study team by email: [email protected]
What do I do if I have concerns/complaints during the research?
You can contact the study team at https://heritage.leeds.ac.uk/.
If you prefer to speak to someone independent of the research team, please contact the University of Leeds Research Governance Office:
Email: [email protected]
If you are worried about your care, the Patient Advice and Liaison Service can be contacted via the NHS Choices website:
Web: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/
Phone: 0113 206 6261
You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you are unhappy with how your information is being used:
Web: www.ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Where can I find reliable information about Long COVID and ME/CFS?
There are a number of trusted sources where you can find reliable, up-to-date information about Long COVID and ME/CFS. These may also be helpful to share with your GP or healthcare team.
NHS and clinical guidance:
- NHS information on Long COVID and ME/CFS
- NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for Long COVID and ME/CFS
- NHS e‑learning resources for healthcare professionals (for example, ME/CFS training modules)
Charities and specialist organisations:
These organisations provide a combination of medical information, practical advice, and lived-experience resources.
Is there a poster I can print and share?
Yes. A downloadable poster is available on the HERITAGE website [HERE] that you can print and share in appropriate community spaces. We also have social media posts you are welcome to share with your community.
Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter/X and YouTube
Can I follow the study on social media?
Yes. You can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter/X and YouTube
Please consider sharing our social media recruitment posts with your communities to help us find participants.
Do you have posts I can share?
You are welcome to share our social media recruitment posts with your communities to help us find participants, you can find a link to our recruitment posts below.
Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter/X and YouTube
If I’m not eligible, is there another way I can support the study?
Thank you for your interest in this important research project. If you know anyone who may be eligible, you can point them to our study website: heritage.leeds.ac.uk, share a recruitment poster with them, or tag them in one of our recruitment posts on social media.
Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter/X and YouTube
Why can’t I see the HERITAGE study in the app?
To join HERITAGE, you first need to register on the autonome+ public app and then select the study via the “Join a study” section.
If you have already created an account on a different Autonome product (e.g. another app or clinic-based version), the HERITAGE study may not appear.
I’ve completed some questionnaires — have I joined?
Not necessarily.
The Autonome app includes general questionnaires that are available to all users. You are only enrolled in the HERITAGE study once you have:
- Selected “Join a study” via the profile icon in the top left corner.
- Chosen “NIHR HERITAGE Study (Public)”
- Read and followed the instructions on the screen
- Completed the study consent form
Here is a video to help Autonom-e: Creating a Profile and Joining the HERITAGE Study - YouTube
What should I do if I can’t access the study?
If you are unable to find or access the HERITAGE study in the app, this is often related to how your account has been set up.
The Autonome system currently allows one account per email address across its different products. This means that if your email is already registered with another Autonome app (for example through another service), you may not be able to access HERITAGE using the same email address.
You have two options:
Option 1: Register again using a different email address
Option 2: Contact the Autonome team at [email protected] and ask them to remove your existing account so you can re-register
Important:
- If you are already registered on another Autonome product, HERITAGE may not appear in the app even if everything else is working correctly
- There is currently no way for participants or the study team to see failed attempts to access the study, so if you are having difficulty, it is important to get in touch for support
Still having trouble?
Please contact the HERITAGE Study Team as well: 📧 [email protected]
We are very happy to help guide you through the process.
How do I join the study (video)?
Please follow the steps in this short video guide: 👉 Watch how to join the HERITAGE study
Do I need help to use the app?
Most participants will follow the video guide and join independently. If you have difficulties, please contact the HERITAGE study team at [email protected] for support. Or contact the Autonome team at [email protected]
