RESUMO
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care systems worldwide. This is due to the demand for medical resources in other areas as well as concern for the risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 exposure. The interruption of routine care is especially problematic for patients with chronic conditions requiring regular follow-up, such as lung transplant recipients. New methods like telemedicine are needed to provide care to these patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis of video consultations (VC) in comparison to on-site visits (OSV) was performed during a six-week period in a lung transplant center in Germany. VC included a structured work-up questionnaire and vital sign documentation. ResultsDuring the 6-week study period, 75 VC were performed for 53 patients and 75 OSV by 51 patients occurred. By the end of our study period, 77% of physician-patient contacts occurred via VC. Overall, physician-patient consultations were reduced by 47% in comparison to an equivalent time frame in 2019. In 62% of cases, VC resulted in a concrete clinical decision. For two VC patients, the indication for inpatient admission was established during the consultation. One COVID-19 patient in home quarantine was admitted due to respiratory failure detected by VC. Patient satisfaction with VC was high. ConclusionsBy transitioning to VC, OSV for lung transplant patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was reduced. VC was well received by the majority of patients. This technology can be adopted to provide care for a wide range of chronic illnesses.
