The Impact of the Off-site Monitoring Clinic (Virtual Monitoring Clinic) on the Practice of Outpatient Rheumatology in a Tertiary Centre during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020222
- Author:
Li Ching CHEW
1
;
Siaw Ing YEO
;
Julian THUMBOO
Author Information
1. Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Ambulatory Care/methods*;
Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use*;
COVID-19;
Delivery of Health Care;
Humans;
Nurse Practitioners;
Pharmacists;
Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy*;
Rheumatology/methods*;
SARS-CoV-2;
Singapore;
Telemedicine/organization & administration*;
Tertiary Care Centers
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
2020;49(11):905-908
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The ongoing pandemic in Singapore is part of a global pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed, 'circuit breaker' measures were introduced between 7 April and 1 June 2020 in Singapore. There is thus a crucial need for innovative approaches to the provision and delivery of healthcare in the context of safe-distancing by harnessing telemedicine, especially for patients with chronic diseases who have traditionally been managed in tertiary institutions. We present a summary of how the Virtual Monitoring Clinic has benefited the practice of our outpatient rheumatology service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual consultations address the need for safe-distancing by limiting face-to-face appointments and unnecessary exposure of patients to the hospital where feasible. This approach ensures that the patients are monitored appropriately for drug toxicities and side-effects, maintained on good disease control, and provided with patient education.
