With great interest we read the article by Dirikgil
et al
. in which they demonstrate the potential of home-monitoring to reduce hospital admissions by safely surveying clinical symptoms and vitals [1]. They encourage to further consider strategies of home-monitoring in larger patient groups and particularly in patients with confirmed COVID-19.
Purpose of reviewVarious home monitoring programs have emerged through the COVID-19 pandemic in different phases of COVID-19 disease.
Recent findingsThe prehospital monitoring of COVID-19-positive patients detects early deterioration. Hospital care at home provides early discharge with oxygen to empty hospital beds for other patients. Home monitoring during recovery can be used for rehabilitation and detection of potential relapses. General goals of home monitoring in COVID-19 are early detection of deterioration and prompt escalation of care such as emergency department presentation, medical advice, medication prescription and mental support. Due to the innovations of vaccination and treatment changes, such as dexamethasone and tocilizumab, the challenge for the healthcare system has shifted from large numbers of admitted COVID-19 patients to lower numbers of admitted patients with specific risk profiles (such as immunocompromised). This also changes the field of home monitoring in COVID-19. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of home monitoring interventions depend on the costs of the intervention (use of devices, apps and medical staff) and the proposed patient group (depending on risk factors and disease severity).
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