Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit.
Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med
; 12(1): e1-e3, 2020 Sep 15.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1073605
ABSTRACT
The lockdown and physical distancing strategies imposed to combat COVID-19 have caused seismic shifts at all levels of society. Hospitals have been particularly affected. Healthcare workers (HCW's) wore PPE during all patient interactions and visitors were prohibited. Life for a patient became lonelier and for those with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) measures were even more severe. HCW's must treat patients following a biopsychosocial approach and promote communication between patients and loved ones. We implemented a low cost Video Call Visit system at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town. In this article we discuss the elements of a successful implementation and potential pitfalls in the context of a pandemic, notably cross-infection and privacy. Rapid but responsible innovation using 21st century tools was required to address the many challenges of the pandemic, including improving the lived experience for patients and families. These should be intended to last after the pandemic has passed.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Social Isolation
/
Visitors to Patients
/
Family
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Communication
/
Pandemics
/
Hospitals
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
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