JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly spreading across the world. To date, there are more than 120,000 cases and more than 5,000 deaths related to COVID-19, and the number are increasing by the hour.

Objective:

In this study, we explored possible trends in the use of virtual care during the COVID-19 initial period.

Methods:

We conducted a cohort study of patients using an on-demand, state-wide Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) center. We collected data from February 1, 2020 until March 15, 2020. The data included patient demographics and chief complaints.

Results:

Of the 733 total visits, 257 (35%) were COVID-19 related symptoms. Of the COVID-19 related visits, the number of female was 178 (70%). People in the 30-39 years of age (26%) and 40-49 years (25%) were 50% of the total patients. We observed a rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases (n=92) in the State of North Carolina as of March 18, 2020. We report that 62 (67%) of COVID-19 confirmed cases occurred within counties that included a major airport in North Carolina namely, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport(CLT). We report that 57.3% COVID-19 related visits in the weeks prior to confirmed cases were initiated by individuals residing in the same counties that later had confirmed cases; such that, Wake County where RDU lies, had 49 (53%) visits while Mecklenburg County, where CLT lies, had 4 (4.3%) COVID-like visits.

Conclusions:

More stringent travel policies are needed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 that should include international and domestic air travel. Virtual Care can provide services to patients with COVID-19 like symptoms, which will limit the gathering of sick people in Emergency Rooms around the country.