The Impact of the Off-site Monitoring Clinic (Virtual Monitoring Clinic) on the Practice of Outpatient Rheumatology in a Tertiary Centre during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
;
: 905-908, 2020.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-877693
ABSTRACT
The ongoing pandemic in Singapore is part of a global pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed, 'circuit breaker' measures were introduced between 7 April and 1 June 2020 in Singapore. There is thus a crucial need for innovative approaches to the provision and delivery of healthcare in the context of safe-distancing by harnessing telemedicine, especially for patients with chronic diseases who have traditionally been managed in tertiary institutions. We present a summary of how the Virtual Monitoring Clinic has benefited the practice of our outpatient rheumatology service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual consultations address the need for safe-distancing by limiting face-to-face appointments and unnecessary exposure of patients to the hospital where feasible. This approach ensures that the patients are monitored appropriately for drug toxicities and side-effects, maintained on good disease control, and provided with patient education.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Pharmacists
/
Rheumatology
/
Singapore
/
Rheumatic Diseases
/
Telemedicine
/
Antirheumatic Agents
/
Delivery of Health Care
/
Tertiary Care Centers
/
Ambulatory Care
/
SARS-CoV-2
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Year:
2020
Type:
Article
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