Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Apr 16, 2020
Date Accepted: Jun 21, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jun 22, 2020
Application of remote diagnosis and treatment during the COVID-19 outbreak and their preliminary outcomes
ABSTRACT
Background:
The novel coronavirus outbreak is now a pandemic, thousands of people are now self-quarantined because of the possible infection, which makes telemedicine necessary as it can overcome geographical barriers, enlarge the size of the population served, and provide clinical support for patients online, however the outcomes of telemedicine have not yet evaluated.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of remote diagnosis and treatment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methods:
A total of 4,589 patients receiving telemedicine were recruited at the online outpatient clinic of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 24 to February 17, 2020. A retrospective analysis was performed on their epidemiological features, clinical symptoms, and preliminary outcomes.
Results:
There were 1,940 males and 2,649 females (26.5%). The youngest was aged 78 days, and the eldest 85 years old. 80.9% of the patients were aged 20 to 39 years old. Most of the patients receiving online outpatient consultation over COVID-19 concerns came from Henan Province, accounting for 84.9%. The rest 15.1% patients were from other province. Among these patients, 2,383 patients with fever, 1,740 patients with cough, 796 patients with cold, 503 patients with fatigue, and 276 patients with diarrhea. A total of 873 orders of non-contact drug delivery following online payment were completed. The median number of offline drug delivery orders was 36, and the interquartile range was 58. An online satisfaction survey was performed, and 985 responses were received. 966 respondents were satisfied, accounting for 98.1%.
Conclusions:
Remote diagnosis and treatment offered via the online outpatient consultation effectively prevented overcrowding and virus exposure in hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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