An Innovative Telemedicine Initiative From Sri Lanka: The Value of Volunteerism in a Resource-Constrained Scenario During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Asia Pac J Public Health
; 34(5): 557-560, 2022 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1794131
ABSTRACT
The unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka since July 2021 led to a situation where the health system was getting overwhelmed. The priority shifted toward triaging patients and identifying those who need immediate medical intervention and managing the rest in home settings. An integrated patient management system where patients could access a medical professional through a short messages service (SMS) and calling system was established. This service provided telephone triage, patient advice, and coordinated with the national ambulance system to evacuate ill patients. This integrated helpline system had a major impact on the management of the recent surge of COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka by patients needing urgent care were directed for hospitalization and the rest managed at home with support, reassurance, and guidance. The numbers of oxygen-dependent patients and deaths declined rapidly and the number of available beds increased. The system played a major role in bringing the crisis under control. Despite many challenges, this innovative integrated system is a unique example of medical volunteerism. The pandemic catalyzed the utilization of information and communication technologies effectively by providing healthcare with a reduction of the burden on healthcare institutions and professionals.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Telemedicine
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Asia Pac J Public Health
Journal subject:
Public Health
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
10105395221090348
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