Telemedicine in the treatment of 502 families in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Use telemedicine to follow COVID-19 patients at home avoiding hospitalization. Objects Safely avoid hospitalization and in any case guarantee high-level assistance, limit infections and unnecessary travel. Methods: From 30.03.20 to 31.05.21 we followed 503 families with COVID-19, at home if the following requirements were met 1. care giver;2. the suitability of the house;3. the possession of a telephone with an internet network to provide the doctor with clinical data and to receive and tutorials;4. pulse oximeter. Therapies were modulated in relation to severity according to the guidelines, noting SPO2, walking test, respiratory rate, fever. Chest ultrasound was performed, according to the Soldiers score. set therapy with Prednisone 0.5-1 mg/kg/day, LMWH, Azithromycin 500, vitamin D 50.000U. All patients received 6 diaphragmatic breathing tutorials. Results: 503 families (1509 pt), 8 hospitalized, 4 men and 4 women four died in hospital. 2 cases of pulmonary embolism. The duration of treatment was from 8-45 days, from 1-3 contacts per day, from 4 to 48 messages per nucleus/day. Conclusions: WhatsApp is a way to monitor patients in the COVID- 19 pandemic, with minimal equipment (ultrasound), patients able to follow the prescriptions provided via social networks and present clinical data daily. Important was the network with the pharmacies for oxygen and drugs even on holidays and with the laboratory for blood sampling at home at a controlled cost.