In-home vascular testing program during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This is a retrospective review of a pilot program to provide in home vascular testing to patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Results: Eighty-four patients underwent a total of 105 vascular imaging tests as part of the program. Two patients required hospitalization secondary to imaging findings. A description of the program, the results of the testing and patient experience with in-home vascular testing is discussed.

Fig. 1

Diagrammatic flowsheet for in-home vascular testing program.

Fig. 2

Survey questions for in-home vascular testing program. Survey Questions for In-Home Vascular Testing Program Thank you for participating in the pilot program for the Spectrum Health Medical Group Vascular Surgery In-Home Vascular Ultrasound Testing. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives of our patients, staff, and caregivers. We started this program to help provide testing to patients that we felt were at high risk for problems from their vascular disease and at risk for pulmonary complications if exposed to COVID-19 and mitigate the effects this virus is having on our patients. We are looking for your feedback to help determine if this was a safe and worthwhile project as well as to look for ways to improve it. For each of the statements, please rank your answer by this scale: 1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree, 3 = neutral, 4 = disagree, 5 = strongly disagree 1. The scheduling process for the in-home testing was easy and straight forward. 1 2 3 4 5 2. I appreciated the COVID symptom Screening being done prior to the visit schedule and prior to the arrival of the vascular sonographers to my home. 1 2 3 4 5 3. I felt safe having the testing performed in my home. 1 2 3 4 5 4. Having in-home testing during the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home order made me less worried about my vascular problems. 1 2 3 4 5 5. The process for receiving results was explained and occurred as described. 1 2 3 4 5 6. I would have the in-home testing again if available. 1 2 3 4 5 7. I would recommend having the in-home testing to other patient 1 2 3 4 5 8. If the in-home testing were not available, which option would you have chosen: a. Drive to the office for testing b. Cancel testing appointment at office and wait until COVID-19 epidemic or stay-at-home order was over. c. Other (please comment below) Other:

Fig. 3

Bar graph representation of Table 3.