Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq1, Hatim Kheir2, Talal Al-Dakheel2, Saeed Al-Qahtani2, Hussain AlKhadra2, Ahlam Sarhan3, Maryam Bu Halaiga3, Rana Ibrahim3. 1. Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Electronic address: jaffar.tawfiq@jhah.com. 2. Primary Care Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. 3. Nursing Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had caused an increased burden on healthcare organizations. Thus, a new strategy is needed to ensure all COVID-19 positive cases are followed up appropriately, receive the proper medical and psychological support, and comply with the isolation guidelines. Here, we describe the characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 patients who were managed at home. In addition, we describe the differences between asymptomatic and those with mild symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is descriptive study of all COVID-19 positive cases who were monitored utilizing the home care concept. RESULTS: During the study period from June 8 to October 18, 2020, there were a total of 5368 COVID-19 patients who were referred to the home isolation/monitoring program. Of those, 2397 (45%) were female and 2971 (55%) were male. Of the total cases, 295 (5%) required hospital admission, 45 (1%) were admitted to zone 2, and the majority 5028 (94%) were continued in the home monitoring till recovery. Of the total cases, 3137 (59%) were asymptomatic and the remaining 41% were symptomatic. Asymptomatic patients in comparison to symptomatic patients showed significant differences in relation to age, gender, being healthcare workers, and the presence of significant medical conditions. However, a logistic regression analysis showed that only age and the presence of diabetes mellitus were associated with the presence of symptoms. The mean age (+ SD) of those who required hospital admission was higher than those who were discharged or cared for in zone 2. CONCLUSION: The utilization of home monitoring program was effective and safe in patients who were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms.
INTRODUCTION: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had caused an increased burden on healthcare organizations. Thus, a new strategy is needed to ensure all COVID-19 positive cases are followed up appropriately, receive the proper medical and psychological support, and comply with the isolation guidelines. Here, we describe the characteristics and outcome of COVID-19patients who were managed at home. In addition, we describe the differences between asymptomatic and those with mild symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is descriptive study of all COVID-19 positive cases who were monitored utilizing the home care concept. RESULTS: During the study period from June 8 to October 18, 2020, there were a total of 5368 COVID-19patients who were referred to the home isolation/monitoring program. Of those, 2397 (45%) were female and 2971 (55%) were male. Of the total cases, 295 (5%) required hospital admission, 45 (1%) were admitted to zone 2, and the majority 5028 (94%) were continued in the home monitoring till recovery. Of the total cases, 3137 (59%) were asymptomatic and the remaining 41% were symptomatic. Asymptomatic patients in comparison to symptomatic patients showed significant differences in relation to age, gender, being healthcare workers, and the presence of significant medical conditions. However, a logistic regression analysis showed that only age and the presence of diabetes mellitus were associated with the presence of symptoms. The mean age (+ SD) of those who required hospital admission was higher than those who were discharged or cared for in zone 2. CONCLUSION: The utilization of home monitoring program was effective and safe in patients who were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms.
Authors: Kundavaram Paul Prabhakar Abhilash; Ranjit Immanuel James; Hema Eunice Paul; Malathi Murugesan; Deepak Thomas Abraham; Jeyalinda Christopher; Annie Valsan; Joy John Mammen; Priscilla Rupali; Ilavarasi Jesudoss; Senthamil Selvan; Prasad Mathews; John Victor Peter Journal: Med J Armed Forces India Date: 2022-09-02