| Title: | A Review of the Supported Discharge Service for COVID-19 Patients Following Admission to Cork University Hospital |
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| Author(s): | O’Grady M, Martin L, Sweeney AM, Walsh M, Plant B, Kennedy M, Sadlier C, Henry M, Murphy D |
| Institution: | Cork University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COVID-19 |
| Abstract: | A cohort of patients admitted to CUH with COVID-19 were identified as being appropriate for a supported discharge service. Patients were educated on home pulse oximetry and uploaded SpO2, HR and breathlessness scores onto the PatientMpower application. A physiotherapist reviewed the data daily, phoned the patient and gave advice on exercise, oxygen management, pacing, energy conservation and secretion clearance. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed following discharge from the service. Over 12 weeks, 15 patients had a supported discharge. Readings were monitored 385 times and 176 phone calls were made. Advice was provided on exercise 32 times, oxygen 22 times and secretion clearance 7 times. 58 SpO2 readings were recorded outside the acceptable range and a re-admission was triggered for three patients (20%) for inpatient management. 100% of questionnaire respondents reported that the service met their needs and 90% agreed that the service had a positive effect on their recovery. 88% of the respondents who had received daily phone calls felt that this was more helpful than the objective monitoring aspect of the service. A supported discharge service including remote monitoring and regular contact with healthcare professionals can facilitate timely, safe and successful discharges of select patient groups. |
