Virtual Daily Rounding for COVID-19 Facility Outbreaks: A Standardized Telehealth-Centered Approach May Reduce
Laurie Archbald-Pannone1,2, Drew Harris3, Rebecca Steele4
1Division of General, Geriatric, Hospital & Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Summary
Virtual daily rounds improved COVID-19 outbreak response in nursing homes. This approach facilitated communication and care, leading to lower hospitalization and mortality rates for vulnerable residents.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Nursing home residents are highly vulnerable to COVID-19.
- A standardized hospital-facility integration for outbreak response is lacking.
- Virtual daily rounds were implemented as part of a COVID-19 outbreak response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of virtual daily rounds on COVID-19 outbreak response in a nursing home.
- To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of virtual daily rounds in managing facility outbreaks.
- To improve communication and patient care during infectious disease outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of virtual daily rounds involving nursing staff and licensed independent providers.
- Utilizing technology for HIPAA-compliant communication and rapid clinical assessment.
- Facilitating care escalation, bidirectional transfers, and telemedicine pulmonary consultations.
Main Results:
- 82 of 136 residents (60%) were infected during a 6-week outbreak.
- 36 residents received telemedicine consultation, with 69% remaining in-facility for treatment.
- Hospitalization and mortality rates were lower compared to reported outbreaks, with 15% mortality (21 deaths).
Conclusions:
- Virtual daily rounding is an effective model for managing nursing home COVID-19 outbreaks.
- This system shows promise in reducing hospitalization and mortality in vulnerable populations.
- The model enhances collaboration between hospitals and nursing homes through systematic telemedicine identification.
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