Since February 2020, about 500 people with ALS use the ALS app. Now we have improved the software and added some new features. Since a few days the ALS-App 2.0 is available for free download in the Apple App-Store and at Google Play.

The main new features are a diagram to better illustrate the course of the disease and the possibility to inform our coordinators about the need for an assistive device or a medication via the app. We would like to briefly introduce the changes in the new version.

­Self-evaluation of the course of the disease

Self-assessment using the ALS Functional Scale (ALSFRS) is facilitated by the display of the assessment interval: Users can now use a counter that counts down the days until the next self-evaluation to find out when the next self-evaluation of the course of the disease should take place. The counter makes it easier to maintain an ideal evaluation interval of 30 days.

Also the display of the current progression value of the ALS and the total value of the ALS functional rating scale is better displayed on the start page in the section 'Progression of ALS'.

Diagram showing the course of the disease

On the page `Progression of ALS' we have added a diagram with the values of the ALS functional rating scale over time for a clear presentation of the course of the disease. Thus, the course of the disease can now be made visible to patients, doctors, therapists or pharmacists via the diagram.

The previous function of self-assessment with the ALS functional rating scale (ALFRS) remains unchanged.

Communication of the need for care

Anyone who wants to can use the ALS app to inform our coordinators about their need for an assistive device or a neurological medication.

If assistive devices are required, several categories are available in the app on the page `care requirements'. For example, the need for respiratory aids, mobility aids, measuring devices or care aids can be communicated in four simple steps.

Once the need for care has been communicated via the app, you will be contacted by our coordinators, who will discuss with you the next steps in the supply of an assistive device.

If the page `care requirements' indicates that you require a neurological drug, our coordinators will be notified immediately. They will take care of your supply of a new or existing medication. In addition, the app also offers the option of notifying only the need for consultation for a neurological medication. You will then be contacted and advised at the earliest possible time by a pharmacy specialized in ALS.

­News from the care network

­If you want, you can now open news from our care network on the app with topics about care around ALS. If you click on the news on the start page of the app, the respective news item will open.

Who can use the ALS App?

All participants with ALS registered in the APST care network can use the ALS app for free.

If you are not yet registered in the APST care network and only want to use the basic functions of the app, such as the recording of self-assessment and the display of the progression value, you only need to participate in our medical study. To do so, it is necessary to read the study information and the privacy policy and to sign the consent form.

If you would also like to communicate your need for medication or assistive devices via the app, please take note of the general terms of use (AGB) and send us a copy of a doctor's letter stating the neurological diagnosis.

Who can help me with technical problems?

For help with technical problems with the ALS app, please call 0170-5564502 or mail to support@ambulanzpartner.de.

Thank you for your interest in the ALS app.

With best regards
­ Friedrich Schaudinn
App-Manager
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