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Journal of Universal Surgery

  • ISSN: 2254-6758
  • Journal h-index: 6
  • Journal CiteScore: 0.94
  • Journal Impact Factor: 0.82
  • Average acceptance to publication time (5-7 days)
  • Average article processing time (30-45 days) Less than 5 volumes 30 days
    8 - 9 volumes 40 days
    10 and more volumes 45 days
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Abstract

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Followup and Outcomes of Non-COVID Surgical Patients

Singh BK , Chumber S , Saikaustubh Y , Rathore YS , Singh D , Garg R and Shreenivas VB

Objectives: The present study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on early post-operative follow-up of non-COVID surgical patients. Feasibility of telemedicine in providing early follow-up care was also assessed.

Background: Pandemic associated disruption of routine health care services and transport may be associated with early discharge and poor patient follow-up. Telemedicine may act as a tool to provide follow-up advice in this scenario.

Methods: The present observational study included all the non-COVID surgical patients discharged from the unit during 1st March 2020 to 30th Jun 2020. All the eligible patients were interviewed telephonically regarding their follow-up visit, post-operative complaints, complications and any medical attention they required.

Results: A total of 80 patients were operated during the study period of which 65 (81.3%) underwent planned discharge while an early discharge was issued to 12 (15%) of them. Fifty-one (65.0%) patients came for follow-up in-person either to the surgical ward or emergency department. During telecommunication, 72 (90.0%) patients responded and medical advice was given for their queries. Approximately 88.0% of the patients received satisfactory suggestions with this mode of communication.

Conclusion: Early follow up care of surgical patients was delayed in one-third of the cases. Telemedicine increased the proportion of patients receiving follow-up care.