A Telemedicine Approach to Covid-19 Assessment and Triage

Abstract

Covid-19 is a new highly contagious RNA viral disease that has caused a global pandemic. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through oral and nasal droplets and possibly through the airborne route. The disease may be asymptomatic or the course may be mild with upper respiratory symptoms, moderate with non-life-threatening pneumonia, or severe with pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The severe form is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While patients who are unstable and in acute distress need immediate in-person attention, many patients can be evaluated at home by telemedicine or videoconferencing. The more benign manifestations of Covid-19 may be managed from home to maintain quarantine, thus avoiding spread to other patients and health care workers. This document provides an overview of the clinical presentation of Covid-19, emphasizing telemedicine strategies for assessment and triage of patients. Advantages of the virtual visit during this time of social distancing are highlighted.

Telemedicine in Peru as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspective from a Country with Limited Internet Access

“…61 Likewise, telemedicine has been found important in patients with pneumonia to avoid spreading the disease to health personnel and other patients. 62 Telemedicine services have been reported to lead to faster stroke diagnoses, more frequent administration of tissue plasminogen activator, and improved long-term results. 63 Despite the great benefits from the use of telemedicine, currently there are barriers, such as regulation, technology, a lack of trained healthcare professionals, and patients' access to the internet.…”

“… 61 Likewise, telemedicine has been found important in patients with pneumonia to avoid spreading the disease to health personnel and other patients. 62 Telemedicine services have been reported to lead to faster stroke diagnoses, more frequent administration of tissue plasminogen activator, and improved long-term results. 63 …”

Mapping the Role of Digital Health Technologies in Prevention and Control of COVID-19 Pandemic: Review of the Literature

“…To assess live, interactive telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide remote medical screening and assessment [ 24 ].…”

Cardiovascular Disease Complicating COVID-19 in the Elderly

“…Now, the pandemic has accelerated its growth because it brings the key benefit of increased safety through the circumvention of direct physical contact [ 231 ]. This safety comes with a downside as fewer in-person visits to medical personnel can lead to decreased patient engagement [ 232 ]. The Technology Acceptance model states that the willingness of the patient to utilize technology depends on two key factors: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use [ 233 ].…”