Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit

Area of Science:

• Healthcare innovation
• Public health response
• Patient experience during pandemics

Background:

• COVID-19 lockdowns and physical distancing severely impacted hospital environments.
• Healthcare workers (HCWs) faced challenges in providing biopsychosocial care and maintaining patient-family communication.
• Patient isolation increased due to visitor restrictions and personal protective equipment (PPE) use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a low-cost Video Call Visit system in a hospital setting.
• To identify key elements for successful implementation and potential pitfalls, such as cross-infection and privacy concerns.
• To explore how rapid innovation can improve patient and family experiences during pandemics and beyond.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a low-cost Video Call Visit system at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town.
• Focus on addressing challenges of cross-infection and patient privacy.
• Utilizing 21st-century tools for rapid and responsible innovation.

Main Results:

• The Video Call Visit system provided a means to facilitate communication between patients and loved ones.
• The implementation highlighted the importance of addressing practical challenges like infection control and privacy.
• The system offered a potential solution to mitigate patient isolation and improve their lived experience.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost technology can be rapidly and responsibly innovated to address critical healthcare challenges during pandemics.
• The Video Call Visit system offers a sustainable solution to improve patient-family communication and well-being, extending beyond the pandemic.
• Addressing implementation factors like infection control and privacy is crucial for successful and ethical deployment of such technologies.