Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care (Jun 2020)
Tele-health during Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Pakistan - Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) caused by SARS-Cov-2 has quickly multiplied since its outbreak in humans. The utilization of tele-health came to the fore in this dire situation when it is absolutely necessary to maintain social distancing yet continue to get timely medical care. The current study is a preliminary audit of patients who consulted through the tele-health program in a tertiary care hospital during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Through this study we share preliminary findings of the experience of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan in terms of establishing and utilization pattern of the tele-health Program. The tele-health program was initiated by department of family medicine at Liaquat National Hospital (LNH), Karachi in collaboration with specialty of internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and infectious disease, approved by management and supported by outpatient, information technology, marketing and telecom services of LNH. The current study presents an audit of tele-health calls received during last week of March-April 2020. The data was obtained from structured clinical consultations notes recorded at the time of receiving patients’ calls. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 20. Results: Data of a total of 459 patients who availed tele-health services in March-April 2020 were entered and analyzed. The median no. of calls received were approximately 12 per day. Almost half of patients were between 18 to 39 years (n= 224, 48.40%). 407 (88.67%) consultations were initial while the rest were follow-up patients. Total 482 complaints were received including 9 requests for direct referrals which were directed to other specialized clinics. Respiratory complains were most frequently encountered (212, 46.19%). Among the 212 respiratory complaints, 103 (47.64%) were COVID-19 related complaints. Out of 459 patients, only 7 (1.5%) reported symptoms severe enough to be advised to visit hospital. Conclusion: This audit summarizes the pattern of utilization of tele-health services during the initial lock-down phase of the pandemic. Basic medical advice to control symptoms may prevent patients presenting with complications and severe symptoms to tertiary care hospitals once social distancing protocols are relaxed. Acceptability of the idea by the patients, and common medical complains being dealt with ease with tele-health consultation rationalizes the need to continue and built up these services for all specialties.
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