Implementation of Triage System and Shortening Patient Journey Time to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission in a University Hospital during a Pandemic

Chanon Kongkamol, Laaong Padungkul, Nuttanicha Rattanajarn, Supawich Srisara, Lalita Rangsinobpakhun, Kanarit Apiwan, Jittiwat Sompan, Chatchanok Prathipsawangwong, Pennapa Buathong, Sinat Chann, Pornchai Sathirapanya and Chutarat Sathirapanya
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Chanon Kongkamol: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Laaong Padungkul: Department of Nursing, Songklanagarind Hospital, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Nuttanicha Rattanajarn: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Supawich Srisara: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Lalita Rangsinobpakhun: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Kanarit Apiwan: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Jittiwat Sompan: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Chatchanok Prathipsawangwong: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Pennapa Buathong: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Sinat Chann: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Pornchai Sathirapanya: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Chutarat Sathirapanya: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-15

Abstract: To explore the characteristics of the patient under investigation (PUI), and the routes and the patient journey time in our outpatient service, we examined the demographic data, presenting symptoms, risks of contact with COVID-19 cases, and the results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in PUI cases from March to May 2020. The contact time, transfer time and total journey time of patient journey routes in our hospital were also explored. The results were shown in numbers, percentages and medians (interquartile range, IQR). A total of 334 PUI cases were identified from our triage system. The median (IQR) age was 35 (27, 47) years. Cough was the most common presenting symptom (56.2%), while fever (?37.5 °C) was found in only 19.8% of the cases. The median (IQR) time of onset of the presenting symptoms was 3 (1, 5) days. The most common risk of contact with COVID-19 cases found during the triage was living in or returning from an outbreak area. Fifteen (4.5%) of the PUI cases had positive real-time PCR tests. The contact time and transfer time were longest in the PUI ward and from the Emergency Department (ED) to the PUI ward, respectively. Plans and actions to shorten the transfer time between the ED and the PUI ward and the total journey time should be developed.

Keywords: COVID-19; PCR; patient under investigation; transmission; patient journey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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