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Evaluation of a combination protocol of CT-first triage and active telemedicine methods by a selected team tackling COVID-19: An experimental research study.
- Source :
-
Journal of infection and public health [J Infect Public Health] 2021 Sep; Vol. 14 (9), pp. 1212-1217. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Aug 18. - Publication Year :
- 2021
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Abstract
- Background: Many health care workers around the world tackled with COVID-19, however sadly, the infection of many medical care workers were reported. To reduce the risk of infection, we launched selected team (Team COVID) of non-specialists and brought in active telemedicine method and computed tomography (CT)-first protocol. We describe our actual practice and the health status of medical doctors dealing with COVID-19 patients.<br />Methods: Between April 17, 2020 and May 24, 2020, 10 doctors worked with COVID-19 patients as part of Team COVID. The Team COVID doctors used a CT-first triage protocol for outpatients and telemedicine for inpatients and outpatients. We evaluated paired serum-specific antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 at the initial and end of the study duration and PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 at the end of the study duration. Furthermore, 36-item short-form of the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire (SF-36) at the beginning and end of the study period were evaluated.<br />Results: Ten doctors worked as Team COVID: seven internal medicine doctors and three surgeons. During the study period, Team COVID treated 165 individuals in the outpatient clinic and isolated hospitalized patients for 315 person-days. There were no positive results of serum-specific antibody testing and PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Team COVID doctors. Furthermore, the SF-36 showed no deterioration in physical and mental QOL status. No in-hospital infection occurred during the study period.<br />Conclusions: The Team COVID fulfilled the treatment using the active telemedicine and CT-first triage protocol without in hospital infection and excess stress. The combination strategy seems acceptable for both the protection and stress relief among the medical staff.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1876-035X
- Volume :
- 14
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of infection and public health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34425358
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2021.08.016