How Has COVID-19 Changed the Way We Do Virtual Care? A Scoping Review Protocol

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual care modalities beyond traditional telemedicine.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the efficacy and safety of newer virtual care technologies like video conferencing and wearables.
• Self-isolating COVID-19 patients present a unique context for evaluating virtual care interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the safety of virtual care for community-based COVID-19 patients.
• To identify the types and dosage of virtual care interventions utilized.
• To examine patient outcomes associated with virtual care for COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic scoping review process guided by PRISMA checklist.
• Comprehensive search across four bibliographic databases and reference list handsearching.
• Blinded, two-stage screening with eligibility criteria, managed via DistillerSR software.

Main Results:

• (Results not detailed in the abstract, but the review aims to identify them.)
• (The review will synthesize findings on virtual care safety and effectiveness.)
• (Specific patient outcomes from virtual interventions will be detailed.)

Conclusions:

• This review will enhance understanding of virtual care's role in managing community-based COVID-19 patients.
• Findings will inform the optimal application of digital health technologies in public health crises.
• The study aims to provide evidence-based insights for future virtual care strategies.