Development and implementation of a community-based COVID-19 assessment centre in Selangor: A descriptive study
https://doi.org/10.51866/oa.156
- Author:
Anusha Manoharan
1
;
Nik Mazlina Mohammad
2
;
Azah Abdul Samad
3
;
Dalyana Hamid
4
;
Zil Azwan Abdullah
5
Author Information
1. MBBS (MAHE), MMed FamMed (UM) Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanik Bandar Botanik, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
2. MBBS (UM), MMed FamMed (UKM) Klinik Kesihatan Kelana Jaya Jln SS6/3A, SS 6, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
3. MD (UKM), MMed FamMed (UM) Klinik Kesihatan Seksyen 7 Shah Alam 2, Persiaran Kayangan Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
4. MBChB (Cardiff), MMedFamMed (UM) Klinik Kesihatan AU2, Jalan AU 2A, Taman Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia.
5. LRCPSI BAO BCH (Ireland), MMed FamMed (UKM) Klinik Kesihatan Pandamaran, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19;
community assessment;
primary care;
home monitoring
- MeSH:
COVID-19;
Primary Health Care
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2023;18(All Issues):1-17
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: With the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia and the overwhelming strain on the tertiary healthcare system, home isolation has been introduced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to reduce the admission of patients with mild COVID-19 to tertiary and low-risk quarantine centres. COVID-19 assessment centres (CACs) have been set up to provide initial assessment, triaging and monitoring of patients with COVID-19 prior to and during their home isolation. In this study, we aimed to share our experience in setting up CACs in Selangor, Malaysia.
Methods: We described the steps taken in developing assessment tools and guidelines for assisting healthcare providers in safely monitoring patients with COVID-19 undergoing home isolation.
Results: A total of 26,826 patients were clinically assessed from 1 to 28 February 2021 in various CACs in the state. The majority of the cases seen in the CACs were under category (CAT) 1 and 2.Only 0.2% (n=53) of the cases were categorised as severe COVID-19 (CAT 3 and above).
Conclusion: CACs coordinated by primary care providers play an important role in triaging,assessing and monitoring patients with COVID-19 undergoing home isolation in the community.There needs to be a better partnership between various stakeholders and the private healthcare sector to improve the services. The usage of a pulse oximeter in home monitoring of all patients withCOVID-19 in Selangor needs to be seriously considered.
- Full text:202508211454208067218.33.pdf
