COVID-19 Patients with Mild Symptoms or without Symptom Using Residential Treatment Center Model

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Management
• Healthcare System Capacity

Background:

• Global surge in coronavirus disease strained hospital resources.
• South Korea established residential treatment centers for mild or asymptomatic cases.
• This study evaluates admission criteria and patient prioritization in these centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the suitability of admission criteria for residential treatment centers during a pandemic.
• Determine optimal patient prioritization strategies for admission.
• Identify methods to mitigate self-isolation risks.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 202 patients admitted to Nowon Residential Treatment Center (August-October 2020).
• Inclusion criteria: asymptomatic/mild symptoms, controlled/no chronic disease, no oxygen requirement.
• Data collected via periodic interviews.

Main Results:

• 153 patients met symptomatic isolation standards, 25 met asymptomatic standards.
• 24 patients experienced clinical deterioration requiring hospital transfer.
• Deterioration causes included persistent fever (12) and dyspnea with SpO2 <95% (13).

Conclusions:

• Prioritize elderly or comorbid patients for admission during epidemics.
• Younger, healthy patients can self-isolate with provided monitoring tools (SpO2 meters, thermometers).
• This strategy optimizes facility use and manages patient flow effectively.