Small hospitals in battle against COVID-19: A single-center cohort study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION In Greece, higher morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 pandemic were recorded during the third pandemic wave. Only a small percentage of the population was fully vaccinated at the beginning of the third pandemic wave. Our effort was multi-level, from the emergency room department to the ward. The aim of this article is to communicate a single secondary center’s experience during the third pandemic wave in Greece. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the regional Agios Andreas General Hospital of Patra, Greece, including 360 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A standard of care protocol was applied in all cases and its outcomes are examined. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 64.2 years (IQR: 18–100) and the median duration of hospitalization was 8 days. The overall case fatality rate was 8.1%. Of the 360 patients, 12 (3.3%) needed to be intubated. Most of the hospitalized patients (n=316;87.8%) were treated with nasal canula or Venturi mask. Twenty-six patients (7.2%) were supported with HFNC and 18 (5%) received any available type of non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS An articulate protocol and coordinated collaboration among specialists were the cornerstone of proper, immediate, and individualized treatment. The international recommendations in force at that time proved to be efficient in reducing progress to SRF and intubation. Full vaccination of the medical staff ensured long and dedicated presence in the patients’ rooms.