Telemedicine as a component of forward triage in a pandemic.
Healthc (Amst)
; 9(3): 100567, 2021 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34274883
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE(S) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents an enormous challenge to healthcare systems globally. Optimizing access to healthcare while minimizing face-to-face patient encounters is critical to limiting exposures, conserving resources, and preserving health. We aimed to evaluate the utility of a COVID-focused telehealth program in avoiding potential in-person visits while maintaining high patient satisfaction. METHODS:
All patients with COVID-related virtual visits at our center between March and May 2020 were included. Demographic, satisfaction, and clinical information were gathered using a modified, validated telehealth satisfaction questionnaire disseminated via email or telephone. Data were analyzed using Stata.RESULTS:
Of 581 eligible patients, 180 (31%) responded to the survey. Symptoms (73%) and possible exposure (22%) were the main reasons cited for pursuing a virtual visit; cough (44%) and fever (36%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Regarding patient satisfaction, most patients rated the experience as "very good" or "excellent", and 94% of respondents said they would recommend COVID-focused triage through telehealth to others. Over 81% of patients indicated that, if telehealth was not an option, they would have sought an in-person encounter. Ultimately, only 27% of patients reported pursuing a face-to-face encounter after participating in the virtual visit.CONCLUSION:
Based on patient self-reporting, telemedicine potentially prevented face-to-face COVID-related encounters. Patients expressed satisfaction with the virtual process and were less likely to pursue in-person consultation. Leveraging a telehealth strategy for forward triage has the potential to reduce exposures while conserving healthcare resources.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Triagem
/
Telemedicina
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Healthc (Amst)
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos