Supported discharge for COVID-19

Walsh, M.; O'Grady, M.; Sweeney, A. M.; Martin, L.; Kennedy, M.; Plant, Barry J.; Sadlier, C.; Henry, M.; Murphy, D. M.

Supported discharge for COVID-19

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Supported-Discharge-for-COVID-19.pdf(151.01 KB)

Published Version

Date

2021

Authors

Walsh, M.

O'Grady, M.

Sweeney, A. M.

Martin, L.

Kennedy, M.

Plant, Barry J.

Sadlier, C.

Henry, M.

Murphy, D. M.

Publisher

Irish Medical Organisation

Abstract

Aims: Assessment of a supported discharge service for a cohort of patients admitted to Cork University Hospital with COVID-19 that were identified as being appropriate for remote patient monitoring. Methods: Patients uploaded SpO2, subjective breathlessness scores, and temperature readings onto the PatientMpower application, and received a daily phone call from the physiotherapist. Readmission was triggered where appropriate. Patient satisfaction questionnaires were completed following service discharge. Results: Over 12 weeks, 15 patients had a supported discharge. Readmission was triggered for 3 patients (20%). Compared to non-readmitted patient, readmitted patients had more abnormal SpO2 readings (9 (5.5-22.5) vs 1 (0-1), p= 0.022) and all 6 temperature spikes that occurred, but lower subjective breathlessness scores (3 (1-6) vs 4.25 (2-8), p = 0.003). Differences in mean abnormal SpO2% readings were not statistically significant. Conclusion: A supported discharge service including remote monitoring and regular contact with healthcare professionals can facilitate safe, and timely discharges of select patient groups.

Keywords

Supported discharge service , Remote monitoring

Citation

Walsh, M., O'Grady, M., Sweeney, A. M., Martin, L., Kennedy, M., Plant, B. J., Sadlier, C., Henry, M. and Murphy, D. M. (2021) 'Supported discharge for COVID-19', Irish Medical Journal, 114 (4), P336 (5pp). Available at: http://imj.ie/supported-discharge-for-covid-19/ (Accessed: 23 July 2021)