Outcomes of a Student-Led Telemedicine Clinic in Response to COVID-19

J Ambul Care Manage. 2021 Jul-Sep;44(3):197-206. doi: 10.1097/JAC.0000000000000380.

Abstract

In response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we developed and launched a student-led telemedicine program in Chelsea. From April to November 2020, over 200 student volunteers contacted over 1000 patients to assess COVID-19 symptoms, provide counseling, and triage patients. Through a retrospective cohort study, we determined that student triage decision was associated with patient outcomes, including hospitalization status, COVID-19 test administration, and COVID-19 test result. These results quantify the outcomes of a student-led telemedicine clinic to combat the ongoing pandemic and may serve as a model for implementation of similar clinics to alleviate mounting health care system burden.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • Counseling
  • England / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Student Run Clinic*
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration*
  • Triage