Emergency medical regulation of epidemiological and biological risks: The COVID-19 follow-up unit of EMS of Martinique as a model for generalization? (Preprint)

Le résumé fourni par la source

BACKGROUND The French West Indies constitute a vulnerable territory when faced with major health emergencies, particularly epidemiological and biological hazards, as illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the first cases of COVID-19 and the uncertainty regarding its progression at both the individual and population levels, the Call Regulation Center of the Martinique Emergency Medical Service (EMS) implemented a teleconsultation platform to monitor ambulatory patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe the evolving clinical and demographic characteristics of patients monitored by the SAMU teleconsultation unit during the first wave of COVID-19, and to assess their satisfaction. METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective, descriptive study conducted at the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) of the University Hospital of Martinique during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 10 and May 31, 2020. The objective was to describe the changing characteristics of adult patients monitored by the SAMU follow-up unit and to assess patient satisfaction. RESULTS A total of 908 patients were included in the study. The study population was predominantly female (57.6%), with a mean age of 45 ± 17 years, and 723 patients (79.7%) reported no prior medical history. During follow-up, 68 patients (7.5%) required hospitalization, and two (0.2%) died during their hospital stay. The presence of at least one pre-existing medical condition and older age were significantly associated with hospitalization for suspected COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Before follow-up, the mean anxiety level was 3.9 ± 0.8 on a 5-point scale. After follow-up, it decreased to 1.4 ± 1.1, reflecting a significant reduction of 64.1% (p < 0.0001). Lastly, the COVID-19 telephone monitoring unit of the SAMU in Martinique received a mean patient satisfaction score of 8.7 ± 1.2 on a 10-point scale. CONCLUSIONS In the context of a novel and uncertain pandemic, follow-up teleconsultation appears to be an effective tool to address public health challenges while limiting the risk of transmission. It helps ensure continuity of care, optimize patient flow, and provide close individual monitoring, thereby reducing the strain on healthcare systems.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.