People who have tested positive for COVID-19 now have a new virtual clinic in London to turn to for support.
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has created the Urgent COVID-19 Care Clinic to identify, triage, monitor, and manage any potential complications from the virus. The virtual clinic was developed by six local physicians.
"We ultimately want to connect with anyone in London who has tested positive for COVID-19 as soon as possible after diagnosis," Dr. Erin Spicer, LHSC general internist and clinic co-creator, said in a statement. “Research is showing that patients with COVID-19 may not seek care until it’s too late because the symptoms of low oxygen levels may not be noticeable early in this disease. By the time they do exhibit signs and get help, they can be at a critical stage in the disease."
Infected patients would have to be referred to the clinic by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, the emergency department, family doctors, or have been discharged from LHSC inpatient services.
The clinic will work with all individuals recovering from COVID-19, regardless of the severity of symptoms. It is hoped by offering a virtual route to assist with self-monitoring, potential future clinical deterioration can be avoided.
Patients determined to have an inadequate supply of oxygen will be temporarily provided a non-invasive device, called a pulse oximeter to self monitor oxygen levels in the body.
The clinic will also be assisting with the intake process for those who need to be admitted to hospital as a way of decreasing the risk of exposure to others in the emergency department.
Clinic physicians will track patients using the service for the next year to ensure they have needed support and appropriate medical referrals.
"We are providing comprehensive care in a single unified clinic and will continue to support patients moving forward to help with any complications that arise. This type of patient-centered care is why we all went into medicine," said Spicer.
