Telemedicine and the 2019 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The 2020 CoronaVirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, revealed challenges in healthcare systems.
• Italy faced shortages in personal protective equipment and Intensive Care Unit beds, impacting patient care.
• The highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates innovative healthcare delivery models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a project utilizing an online platform to connect General Practitioners (GPs) with patients.
• To mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by reducing patient movement.
• To enable early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a secure online platform for GP-patient interaction.
• Utilizing telemedicine for remote consultations and initial assessments.
• Establishing protocols for early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions via the platform.

Main Results:

• The proposed e-health platform can reduce the physical movement of potentially infected individuals.
• Facilitates timely medical consultations, improving early detection and management of COVID-19.
• Addresses healthcare system limitations by leveraging digital health solutions.

Conclusions:

• Electronic health platforms offer a strategic advantage during pandemics like COVID-19.
• An integrated online system for GPs and patients is crucial for managing infectious disease outbreaks.
• This approach enhances healthcare accessibility and efficiency while minimizing transmission risks.