Implementing remote monitoring for COVID-19 patients in primary care

Background In Germany, most patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are treated in an outpatient setting. To improve assessments of the health status of COVID-19 outpatients, various remote monitoring models have been developed. However, little information exists on experiences acquired with remote monitoring in an outpatient setting, particularly from a patient perspective. The aim of our 'COVID-19@home' study was therefore to implement and evaluate an app-based remote monitoring concept for acute and post-acute COVID-19-patients in primary care. In this paper, we focus on the patients' evaluation of our remote monitoring approach. Methods Patients with acute COVID-19 measured heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature daily for 28 days. Patients with post-acute COVID-19 determined the same parameters for 12 weeks, supplemented by lung parameters and daily step count. The data were documented using the 'SaniQ' smartphone app. COVID-19 symptoms were assessed daily using an app-based questionnaire. Patients' GPs could access the data on the 'SaniQ Praxis' telemedicine platform. We used an app-based questionnaire consisting of 11 questions presented with a 4-point Likert scale to evaluate patient satisfaction. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results Of the 51 patients aged 19-77 years that participated in the study, 42 completed the questionnaire. All patients rated home monitoring as 'very good' or 'rather good' and were able to integrate the measuring processes into their daily routines. Overall, 93% would recommend the app and the measuring devices to their family and friends. About 60% felt that their COVID-19 treatment had benefited from home monitoring. Only few patients were unsettled by the app and use of the measuring devices. During the course of the study, the implementation process was optimized. Conclusions The use of remote monitoring in COVID-19 patients is feasible and was evaluated positively by most study patients. However, it is difficult to imagine how general practices could cope with monitoring patients with acute diseases without any further organizational support. Future research should address cost-effectiveness and changes in such clinical outcomes as hospitalization and mortality.