Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit
Date
2020-09-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The lockdown and physical distancing strategies imposed to combat COVID-19 have caused seismic shifts at all levels of society. Hospitals have been particularly affected. Healthcare workers (HCW’s) wore PPE during all patient interactions and visitors were prohibited. Life for a patient became lonelier and for those with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) measures were even more severe. HCW’s must treat patients following a biopsychosocial approach and promote communication between patients and loved ones. We implemented a low cost Video Call Visit system at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town. In this article we discuss the elements of a successful implementation and potential pitfalls in the context of a pandemic, notably cross-infection and privacy. Rapid but responsible innovation using 21st century tools was required to address the many challenges of the pandemic, including improving the lived experience for patients and families. These should be intended to last after the pandemic has passed.
Description
CITATION: Moolla, M. S. 2020. Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 12(1):a2637, doi:10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2637.
The original publication is available at https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm
The original publication is available at https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm
Keywords
COVID-19 (Disease), Social distancing (Public health), Communicable diseases -- Prevention, Communication and technology, Videoconferencing
Citation
Moolla, M. S. 2020. Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 12(1):a2637, doi:10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2637