Video consultation evaluation during COVID-19 pandemic in Juárez, México

Abstract

Introduction: SARS CoV-2 pandemic affected the health care system due to high-risk of contagion, forcing our adaptation through video consultation (VC). The objective is to evaluate the use of VC during the pandemic in Juárez. Materials and methods: A retrospective and descriptive analysis of the recruitment, data and follow-up process of patients with pneumological conditions (medical history, vital signs, oximetry, laboratory studies, and X-ray or CT scan images), was made and registered through VC in the 2020. Results: During the study period, 100% (N=110) of the doctor-patient contacts were made through VC. Patients with COVID-19 infection 77% (N=85), with positive RT PCR 34.11% (N=25), suggestive symptoms 100% (N=85) and suggestive imaging study 64.7% (N = 55) with a mean age 51.6 ± 16.3 years, 49% men (N=42) women 50% (N=43). Of the patients with SARS CoV-2, 33 had comorbidities such as hypertension, 21.17% (N=18), diabetes 15.29% (N=13), asthma 2.3% (N=2), rheumatoid arthritis 1.17% (N=1), and immunosuppression due to cancer 1.17% (N=1). 2.3% (N=2) were admitted to the hospital and 3.5% (N=3) died. Patients with other diagnoses such as asthma, 10% (N=11), COPD 3.6% (N=4), CA 0.9% (N=1) and other pathologies 8.1% (N=9). Foreign patients, 9% (N=10) patients who were followed up in a subsequent consultation 21.8% (N=24). Conclusions: Pneumological VC facilitated access to specialized care, improved equity, cancelled exposure to SARS CoV-2, and saved time and expenses. The cost of consultation was reduced, and accurate treatments were prescribed. The resistance to this new format and the absence of physical examination, were the only hindrances in our context.