Application of a Pre-examination and Triage of Children in Fever Clinics to Prevent and Control the Epidemic of Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Background: The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic proportions. Attempts to control its spread have included a range of early screening and triage measures developed in several nations and areas. Objectives: This study aimed to determine how to prioritize pediatric fever patients to limit the time they had to wait for a consultation and, therefore, the potential of worsening and crises under the burden of COVID-19. Methods: The triage and emergency care process of children in the Fever Clinic of Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China, within 2019 - 2020 included flow charts, guidance signs, publicity materials, noon and night articulation, and emergency calls. To enhance the management of pre-consultation and triage, the incidence of adverse event injuries was tallied, and satisfaction surveys were conducted. The prevalence of infectious diseases was characterized by demographic and seasonal factors, and the chi-square test was employed to test for differences between groups. Results: From January 2019 to December 2020, four peak periods were observed in each year, namely February, July, September, and December in 2019 and March, June, September, and December in 2020. The peak of common respiratory virus infection was seasonal; however, a significant increase (χ2 = 52.17; P < 0.001) in the case of patients who needed emergency care was observed secondary to fever. The patients within the age range of 1 - 3 years were more in need of emergency care than any other age group (54.70%; 99/181). The most common disease requiring emergency care was febrile convulsions (55.2%). No infectious diseases were missed or underreported during the study period, and no medical personnel was infected. Conclusions: An effective pre-consultation assessment and triage management system and streamlined workflow are of great importance in safeguarding acute patients while preventing infectious diseases.