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Revista argentina de cardiología
On-line version ISSN 1850-3748
Abstract
DI TOMMASO, FERNANDO et al. WhatsApp Consultations in the Department of Electrophysiology of a Public Hospital of the City of Buenos Aires in Times of COVID-19. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2020, vol.88, n.3, pp.231-234. ISSN 1850-3748. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.es.v88.i3.17976.
Background:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is highly infectious. Telemedicine emerges as an option to keep patients within the healthcare system.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to implement WhatsApp consultations during 30 days in a hospital of the City of Buenos Aires (CABA) during the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19.
Methods:
Consultations via WhatsApp were analyzed for 30 consecutive days. A form was sent prior to telephone consultation with the specialist. A descriptive analysis of consultations and proposed follow-up plans was carried out.
Results:
A total of 263 consultations were performed in 205 patients. The average number of telephone consultations was 7.8 messages. The most common topics for consultation were palpitations (12%) and influenza vaccine (11.7%). Follow-up was divided into groups: 1) Solved via WhatsApp: 154 patients; 2) Referred to a local hospital: 25; 3) Referred to our hospital: 26 patients.
Conclusion:
Telemedicine via WhatsApp can be developed in public hospitals of CABA, with a substantial reduction of in-person consultations.
Keywords : Coronavirus Infections; COVID-19; Telemedicine; Mobile Applications; Remote Consultation.