Abstract
Objectives: The aim of Respiratory Emergency Department (REED) virtual clinic was to facilitate the safe discharge of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. Those with mild to moderate signs and symptoms along with high risk of deterioration were included in this pathway.
The key features were: Use of video consultations, Take-home pulse oximeters, Clear pathway with criteria for self or clinician re-escalation to the Emergency Department (ED).
Methods: Patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 from ED were categorised as high or low risk of deterioration using clinical parameters such as oxygen saturations, heart rate and comorbidities. Patients with mild to moderate symptoms who were identified as at high risk were discharged with a pulse oximeter, information packand virtual clinic follow-up. During appointments, the clinician assessed patients using oximetry and video consultaion.
Results: Data were obtained from 198 patients over 66 days. 5 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the 193 appropriately referred patients, 146 patients successfully completed the REED pathway requiring no escalation, 21 patients required reassessment but were safe to continue surveillance without admission, 21 patients were re-admitted to medical wards and 4 required ITU care. 1 patient died during surveillance. 28-day outcomes revealed 10.37% (n=20) representation rate to ED. Based on 4c score we estimate that approximately 222 bed days were saved.
Conclusion: The REED clinic is an innovative ambulatory, safe and patient-empowering pathway for managing patients with COVID-19 using home oximetry and telemedicine. The clinic has restarted in response to second wave and continnues to collect data.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA3673.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021