The development of a care referral model and telemedicine system for post-COVID-19 patient care in the Denchai community is underway at Denchai Crown Prince Hospital (DCPH) in Phrae province.

Abstract

This study aims to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of the DCPH Rapid Smart Refer model and telemedicine system; 2) examine the occurrence of complications and comorbidities in Long Covid-19 patients managed via telemedicine; 3) assess patient and family satisfaction, including comparisons of travel time to the hospital and waiting time to see a doctor; and 4) evaluate the satisfaction of medical personnel providing telemedicine services. The sample comprises 46 patients, aged 60 and above, diagnosed with Long Covid-19 and comorbidities. The research instruments include: 1) the DCPH Rapid Smart Refer Covid-19 model; 2) a patient monitoring record form for telemedicine follow-up; 3) a patient and family satisfaction survey; and 4) a medical personnel satisfaction survey regarding telemedicine services.

The study results indicated that 100 per cent of patients were successfully followed up via telemedicine. Doctors and nurses can assess complications of Long Covid-19 and symptoms of comorbidities, providing holistic patient care and delivering appropriate treatments for both Long Covid-19 and comorbidities. In cases of severe complications detected during follow-up, patients were promptly referred back to the hospital. Both patients and caregivers were satisfied with the telemedicine monitoring system, citing reduced travel time to the hospital and shorter waiting times to see a doctor. Medical personnel were satisfied with the telemedicine system, noting its effectiveness in monitoring complications post-COVID-19 infection and managing comorbidities as effectively as in-hospital care, ensuring patients received timely, efficient, and safe services.