Use of a Virtual Multi-Disciplinary Clinic for the Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 has been recognized as possibly affecting millions of people worldwide. In order to optimize care and ensure equality, we established a multidisciplinary virtual Post-COVID-19 clinic (VPCC) within Maccabi Healthcare Services, the second largest HMO in Israel. This study aims to describe the structure, process and patient satisfaction with this clinic. The multidisciplinary team consisted of physicians, physiotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists and dieticians. Patient entry was to be at least four weeks after COVID-19 infection. A patient satisfaction survey was carried out 7–8 months after the clinic was closed. Demographic data were collected and compared to the general Maccabi COVID-19 population. The clinic treated 1614 patients, aged 16–91, over a period of 18 months. In total, 679 family physicians referred patients. In comparison to the general COVID-19 population, a higher percentage of the VPCC patients lived in the periphery of Israel, South (14.9% compared to 17.8%) and North (17.1% compared to 18.2%). In total, 249 patients answered the survey, and of them, 75% were highly satisfied with the medical care of the physician in the VPCC. A total of 54% of respondents would have preferred a face-to-face consultation, but 50% felt that communication was good in the virtual mode. In conclusion, the VPCC provided a dedicated service for patients, and the virtual format made it equally accessible to all parts of the country.