Addressing silent hypoxemia with COVID-19: Implementation of an outpatient pulse oximetry program in Vermont
Marlowe Galbraith1,2, Patsy Kelso1, Mark Levine1
1Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, VT, USA.
Objectives:
We initiated an outpatient pulse oximetry program to facilitate more rapid detection of clinical deterioration of persons with COVID-19.
Methods:
Vermont residents in non-congregate settings with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were eligible for inclusion.
Results:
Acceptance of pulse oximetry occurred more frequently among those who were older or symptomatic, spoke English, or who had underlying medical conditions.
Conclusions:
We provide the first description of an outpatient pulse oximetry program for COVID-19 by a state health department in the U.S.
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