A Study of Outcomes of Care for COVID-19 patients in the Cohort Isolation and Negative Pressure Room: Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Patients infected with the COVID-19 virus may have high mortality and mortality. If they do not receive appropriate care. The disease can cause severe symptoms and death.

Objective: To study outcomes of care for COVID-19 patients who were admitted in the cohort isolation room and negative pressure unit.

Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted from April 2021 to February 2023, based on medical records. The samples were selected by purposive sampling from inclusion criteria (n=1,294). The data collection instrument was developed from the literature review by the researcher: 1) a diagnosis, treatment, and nursing information recording form; 2) the results of care for patients with COVID-19.

Results: 1) The sample had an average age of 67.21 ± 19.22 years.  92.27% of them had concomitant diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Common symptoms are cough, fever, dyspnea, sputum, and fatigue. 55.33% of them have never been vaccinated. 2) The majority had a Ct value between 0-30, a CRP>10 value, and a D-Dimer value >550. The majority of antiviral drugs were favipiravir (57.21%), remdesivir (24.43%), and molnupiravir (18.20%). Some patients received steroids (69.71%), anticoagulants (41.42%) and required oxygen therapy (69.32%). Based on nursing care records, all patients received evaluation upon admission, nursing diagnosis, nursing care plan, nursing practice, nursing evaluation, risk assessment, and monitoring, and 99.42% received a discharge plan.
3) The results of care for patients found that the common length of stay was 6-10 days. The expenses are in the range of 10,001-30,000 baht. The important complications were acquired pneumonia (0.93%) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (0.70%).  The complications related to nursing included pressure ulcers (0.85%), incontinence-associated dermatitis (0.39%), phlebitis (0.31%), medication errors (0.15%).  42.97% of patients were discharged home. 

Conclusion: Caring for patients with COVID-19 infection in the isolation room and negative pressure unit with good management and cooperation with all parties results in good outcome.