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. 2020 Sep 15;12(1):e1-e3.
doi: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2637.

Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit

Muhammad S Moolla  1 , Alistair Broadhurst, Mohammed A Parker, Arifa Parker, Abdurasiet Mowlana
Affiliations

Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit

Muhammad S Moolla et al. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med. .

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; communication; coronavirus; digital; mobile technology; patient experience; social distancing; video call.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Checklist of requirements for implementing a video call visit system.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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