Delivering healthcare remotely to cardiovascular patients during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Although attention is focused on addressing the acute situation created by the COVID-19 illness, it is imperative to continue our efforts to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly during a period of prolonged social isolation which may limit physical activity, adversely affect mental health and reduce access to usual care. One option may be to deliver healthcare interventions remotely through digital healthcare solutions. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to bring together the evidence for remote healthcare during a quarantine situation period to support people living with cardiovascular disease during COVID-19 isolation. Methods: The PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched using telehealth OR digital health OR mHealth OR eHealth OR mobile apps AND COVID-19 OR quarantine search terms. We also searched for literature relating to cardiovascular disease AND quarantine. Results: The literature search identified 45 potentially relevant publications, out of which nine articles were included. Three overarching themes emerged from this review: (1) preparing the workforce and ensuring reimbursement for remote healthcare, (2) supporting mental and physical health and (3) supporting usual care. Conclusion: To support people living with cardiovascular disease during COVID-19 isolation and to mitigate the effects of quarantine and adverse effect on mental and physical well-being, we should offer remote healthcare and provide access to their usual care.

CSANZ COVID-19 Cardiovascular Nursing Care Consensus Statement: Executive Summary

“…These medications can cause cardiac toxicity, specifically QTc prolongation and Torsades de Pointes, especially in patients with hepatic or renal impairment [15]. In May 2020, the Australian Therapeutic Administration (TGA) updated its advice stating, "Based on the latest international data, use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 is strongly discouraged, [21]. Clinical guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of heart failure in Australia (2018) support the use of telemonitoring and structured telephone support for people with heart failure [22].…”

Reflecting on the Impact of Cardiovascular Nurses in Australia and New Zealand in the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife

“…We often lead the way through collaborating with patients and their families in practice and research from co-design to implementation. Not surprisingly, nurses are at the forefront of very innovative models of delivery, for which they are recognised internationally [28,29] Nurses are experts in identifying barriers and challenges in self-management and self-care for patients and take action by being in the vanguard of patient support strategies. Nurses have developed patient-education avatars, gamified applications, and incorporated trackers and engaged in social media in advance of other health disciplines [30][31][32].…”

Implications Of Online Health Services During Covid-19

“…Amid a pandemic, these boards have temporarily altered their necessary requirements to accommodate telemedicine (Jaarsma et al, 2020). For instance, the medical personnel have been allowed to use non-HIPAA acquiescence digital tools including Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and Cisco Webex to supplement the HIPAA compliant videoconferencing tools such as Updox, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and VSee (Neubeck et al, 2020). Furthermore, the state pharmacy boards have temporarily allowed pharmacists to operate outside a licensed pharmacy because of the dangers of COVID-19.…”