A novel use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic brought with it many challenges but possibly the biggest was the best use of national hospital resources. With the aim to protect the hospital healthcare resources in the country whilst simultaneously safeguarding the health of COVID-19-infected patients, a telemedicine system led by experts was set up in Malta. METHODS: A team of local experts, called the ‘Community COVID-19 Initial Assessment team’ (CCIAT), co-ordinated the initial medical assessment and decisions for all newly diagnosed community patients. Data of all patients were collected prospectively and stored in one database. These data were then analysed to extract the demographics and outcomes of all these patients. RESULTS: Through telemedicine, the majority (91%) of 369 infected patients were managed safely in the community. Only a minority of patients (6%) was admitted to the main acute hospitals and there was no increased morbidity or mortality related to the medical decisions made using this telemedicine tool. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study proves that this particular COVID-19 telemedicine project in Malta achieved its main goals, which were namely that of relieving the burden on the main local acute hospitals whilst ensuring the optimal medical management to infected patients.