Is home Care a Successful Strategy in COVID-19? A Valuable Experience from Iran

Background :

Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a recently evolving public health problem. This study aimed to establish home care system for patients with acute respiratory infections in treatment centers and hospitals covered by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

In this pilot study, which was done as cross-sectional design from February 29, 2020 until May 4, 2020, all the patients with acute respiratory infections suspected of corona and referred to centers of health comprehensive services and outpatient clinics of Mashhad, Iran (referral level 1), were assessed based on protocol developed by Ministry of Health. Then, patients who do not need hospitalization services based on diagnosis of specialized health care team were referred home by prescription of medication and self-care training (home quarantine). Afterward, the required information based on care need, improving and thoroughly improved along with patient home visit and follow-up calling were implemented by physician. In the last phase, patients’ and their families’ satisfaction regarding health care team was assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire.

In this pilot study, 200 patients (men: 62.9%) with Covid-19 underwent home quarantine and care and treatment by a specialized treatment team comprised of physician, nurses, and psychologist and health experts. The findings showed that 84.5% of patients and family had partial satisfaction regarding the way of treatment of the health care team. Satisfaction on explanations provided regarding disease, diagnosis, and treatment method in 68% of patients was full satisfaction.

Conclusion:

 Home quarantine decreases stress and fear in patients and their family and prevents social labelling for these individuals. Patients were highly satisfied regarding being cared for in their home and by family members.