Evaluation of a combination protocol of CT-first triage and active telemedicine methods by a selected team tackling COVID-19: An experimental research study

J Infect Public Health. 2021 Sep;14(9):1212-1217. doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.08.016. Epub 2021 Aug 18.

Abstract

Background: Many health care workers around the world tackled with COVID-19, however sadly, the infection of many medical care workers were reported. To reduce the risk of infection, we launched selected team (Team COVID) of non-specialists and brought in active telemedicine method and computed tomography (CT)-first protocol. We describe our actual practice and the health status of medical doctors dealing with COVID-19 patients.

Methods: Between April 17, 2020 and May 24, 2020, 10 doctors worked with COVID-19 patients as part of Team COVID. The Team COVID doctors used a CT-first triage protocol for outpatients and telemedicine for inpatients and outpatients. We evaluated paired serum-specific antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 at the initial and end of the study duration and PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 at the end of the study duration. Furthermore, 36-item short-form of the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire (SF-36) at the beginning and end of the study period were evaluated.

Results: Ten doctors worked as Team COVID: seven internal medicine doctors and three surgeons. During the study period, Team COVID treated 165 individuals in the outpatient clinic and isolated hospitalized patients for 315 person-days. There were no positive results of serum-specific antibody testing and PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Team COVID doctors. Furthermore, the SF-36 showed no deterioration in physical and mental QOL status. No in-hospital infection occurred during the study period.

Conclusions: The Team COVID fulfilled the treatment using the active telemedicine and CT-first triage protocol without in hospital infection and excess stress. The combination strategy seems acceptable for both the protection and stress relief among the medical staff.

Keywords: COVID-19; CT-first triage; Health of medical stuff; Medical care team; Telemedicine.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Telemedicine*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Triage