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Background and Aims: Due of its low cost, rapid speed, data record, and vast communication coverage, information and communication technology might be useful for health-related fields in times of crisis. By providing medical or hygienic services to a patient who lives elsewhere using communication methods like email, fax, cellphones, applications, and wireless gadgets, telemedicine can aid in the better management of diseases. Reviewing the potential role of telemedicine in the pandemic of infectious diseases with a focus on the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic was the main goal of this study. Methods: "Google Scholar," "PubMed," "Science Direct," and "Scopus" databases were searched to collect the papers that identify the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine in the disease pandemic. Searched keywords include: telepharmacy, telemedicine, remote communication, pandemic(s), epidemic, distant care, distant communication, phone consulation, video conference communication and patient education. Results: Information and communication technology are crucial, especially when dealing with pandemics of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Less "in-person" patient visits to hospitals as a result of telemedicine eventually means less labor for the medical staff, less viral exposure for patients, and ultimately less disease spread. By establishing a bidirectional reciprocal relationship between patients and healthcare providers although they are in separate geographical areas, it can improve patient health status. Conclusion: Governments are currently facing a significant budgetary burden because to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since patients are not sent to medical facilities in person, which could be a source of infection, telemedicine reduces disease spread while saving money.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common cause of antibiotic usage in hospitalized pediatric patients. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and increased treatment costs. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess antibiotic usage in hospitalized pediatric patients with RTIs. METHODS: Medical charts of the patients admitted to the pediatric ward (PW) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary respiratory center were reviewed. Patients' demographic and clinical data, including gender, age, weight, history of allergy, length of hospital stay, clinical diagnosis, and prescribed antibiotics (indication, dose, and frequency of administration) were collected. The appropriateness of antibiotic usage was evaluated in each patient according to international guidelines. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-nine hospitalized patients were included in the study. The most common reason for hospitalization was pneumonia (38%), followed by cystic fibrosis (20.1%) and bronchitis (5%). The most commonly used antimicrobial agents were ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and clindamycin which guideline adherence for their usage was 85.3%, 23.3%, and 47%; respectively. Inappropriate dose selection was the main reason for non-adherence to the guidelines. The adherence rate to RTIs' guidelines (considering all parameters for each patient) was 27.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated CF and prescription of azithromycin are predictors of guideline non-adherence. CONCLUSION: We found relatively low adherence to international guidelines in our center that could be related to restricted definitions of optimal antibiotic therapy. Despite most patients received logical antimicrobial therapy, actions should be taken into account to reach optimal antibiotic usage.
