ABSTRACT Heart failure is the leading cause of cardiac-related hospitalizations. Limited access to reevaluations and outpatient appointments restricts the application of modern therapies. Telemedicine has become an essential resource in the healthcare system because of its countless benefits, such as higher and more frequent appointments and faster titration of medications. This narrative review aimed to demonstrate the evidence and unresolved issues related to the use of telemedicine in patients with heart failure. No studies have examined heart failure prevention; however, several studies have addressed the prevention of decompensation with positive results. Telemedicine can be used to evaluate all patients with heart failure, and many telemedicine platforms are available. Several strategies, including both noninvasive (phone calls, weight measurement, and virtual visits) and invasive (implantable pulmonary artery catheters) strategies can be implemented. Given these benefits, telemedicine is highly desirable, particularly for vulnerable groups. Although some questions remain unanswered, the development of new technologies can complement remote visits and improve patient care. cardiacrelated cardiac hospitalizations therapies benefits medications however results available phone calls measurement implantable catheters implemented desirable groups unanswered care

ABSTRACT Adenosine is an antiarrhythmic drug that slows conduction through the atrioventricular node and acts as a coronary blood vessel dilator. This case report highlights two unusual life-threatening events following the use of adenosine to revert supraventricular tachycardia in a structurally normal heart: non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and myocardial infarction. A 46-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a two-hour history of palpitations and was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia. Vagal maneuvers were ineffective, and after intravenous adenosine administration, the patient presented with chest pain and hypotension. The rhythm degenerated into non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and spontaneously reverted to sinus rhythm with ST elevation in lead aVR and ST depression in the inferior and anterolateral leads. The patient spontaneously recovered within a few minutes. Despite successful arrhythmia reversal, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit because of an infarction without obstructive atherosclerosis. This report aims to alert emergency physicians about the potential complications associated with supraventricular tachycardia and its reversal with adenosine. dilator lifethreatening life threatening heart nonsustained non sustained 46yearold yearold 46 year old twohour hour ineffective administration hypotension leads minutes atherosclerosis 4

ABSTRACT Objective: The quality of care and safety for Telemedicine-discharged patients with suspected respiratory infections are closely related to low rates of prescriptions of unjustified and high-risk medications. This retrospective study aimed to assess adherence to the current COVID-19 guidelines in direct-to-consumer telemedicine encounters at a large center using multidrug stewardship protocols. Methods: A quarterly electronic survey utilizing medical records of individual physician care assessed various quality indicators. Physicians received ongoing adaptive feedback based on personal metrics, with Telemedicine Center recommendations derived from the 2020 Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. The study included all consecutive adults with new respiratory symptoms in the last 14 days who sought spontaneous Telemedicine consultations between March 2020 and August 2021. This study analyzed patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and other airway infections. Results: Of the 221,128 evaluated patients, 42,042 (19%) had confirmed COVID-19; 104,021 (47%) were suspected to have COVID-19; and, 75,065 (33%) had other diagnoses. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 had a mean (+DP) age of 35±12 years. A total of 125,107 (85.65%) patients were managed at home, 2,552 (1.74%) were referred for non-urgent in-office reassessment, and 17,185 (11.7%) were referred to the emergency department for whom there was no further treatment recommendation. The antibiotic rate in confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases was 0.46%/0.65% and that for non-evidence-based prescriptions was 0.01%/0.005%. Conclusion: Guideline training and Telemedicine consultation feedback may lead to lower antibiotic and antimicrobial prescriptions in suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Multidrug stewardship protocols may improve guideline adherence and reinforce the quality of care and safety in Telemedicine encounters. Objective Telemedicinedischarged discharged highrisk high risk medications COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 directtoconsumer direct consumer Methods indicators metrics 202 1 2021 Results 221128 221 128 221,12 42042 42 042 42,04 19% (19% 104021 104 021 104,02 47% 47 (47% 75065 75 065 75,06 33% 33 (33% diagnoses +DP DP (+DP 3512 35 12 35±1 years 125107 125 107 125,10 85.65% 8565 85 65 (85.65% home 2552 2 552 2,55 1.74% 174 74 (1.74% nonurgent non urgent inoffice office reassessment 17185 17 185 17,18 11.7% 117 11 7 (11.7% recommendation 046065 0 46 0.46%/0.65 nonevidencebased evidence 0010005 01 005 0.01%/0.005% Conclusion COVID1 COVID- 20 22112 22 221,1 4204 4 04 42,0 (19 10402 10 02 104,0 (47 7506 06 75,0 3 (33 351 35± 12510 125,1 85.65 856 8 6 (85.65 255 55 2,5 1.74 (1.74 1718 18 17,1 11.7 (11.7 04606 0.46%/0.6 001000 00 0.01%/0.005 2211 221, 420 42, (1 1040 104, (4 750 75, (3 1251 125, 85.6 (85.6 25 5 2, 1.7 (1.7 171 17, 11. (11. 0460 0.46%/0. 00100 0.01%/0.00 ( 85. (85. 1. (1. (11 046 0.46%/0 0010 0.01%/0.0 (85 0.46%/ 001 0.01%/0. (8 0.46% 0.01%/0 0.46 0.01%/ 0.4 0.01% 0. 0.01 0.0

Resumo Fundamento As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo. Regiões brasileiras geograficamente remotas e de baixa renda carecem de consultas especializadas. Não se tem conhecimento total acerca do manejo por telemedicina dessa população por parte de cardiologistas. Objetivos Analisar a teleconsulta cardiológica na região brasileira com maior número de municípios isolados. Métodos Entre fevereiro de 2020 e outubro de 2021, pacientes da Região Norte do Brasil avaliados por médicos generalistas locais foram encaminhados para avaliação cardiológica por telemedicina. Foram analisados os motivos do encaminhamento, dados demográficos, histórico clínico, exames físicos, exames complementares, medicamentos e prescrições pré e pós-telemedicina (considerou-se p<0,05 como estatisticamente significativo). Resultados Analisamos 653 pacientes. A taxa de frequência foi de 85,7% (53,1% do sexo feminino, idade média: 54,2±6,5 anos). Os principais motivos de encaminhamento foram sintomas cardiovasculares (58,1%) e fatores de risco entre pacientes assintomáticos (13,3%). Apenas 12,6% apresentava alguma doença diagnosticada. A maioria dos pacientes havia passado por exame físico e eletrocardiogramas regulares. Poucos tinham exames complementares recentes. A prescrição de bloqueadores dos receptores da angiotensina (BRA), bloqueadores dos canais de cálcio e estatinas aumentou significativamente, enquanto a de digoxina, betabloqueadores não cardíacos e ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) diminuiu na primeira teleconsulta. A maioria dos exames complementares solicitados era de baixa complexidade e custo: eletrocardiograma (28,2%), radiografia de tórax (14%), ecocardiograma (64,5%) e exames de sangue (71,8%). Para 2,1% dos pacientes, foram indicadas intervenções, e 8% recebeu alta após a primeira consulta. Conclusão A teleconsulta cardiológica sob demanda contribui para a otimização do tratamento das doenças cardíacas. A maioria dos pacientes foi encaminhada com diagnósticos sindrômicos sem exames complementares prévios. A avaliação especializada solicitada geralmente estava disponível localmente e com baixo custo, mas impedia a alta precoce. Capacitação local poderia otimizar o encaminhamento. mundo especializadas cardiologistas isolados 202 2021 demográficos clínico físicos póstelemedicina pós considerouse considerou p005 p 0 05 p<0,0 significativo. significativo . significativo) 65 857 85 7 85,7 53,1% 531 53 1 (53,1 feminino média 54265 54 2 6 5 54,2±6, anos. anos anos) 58,1% 581 58 (58,1% 13,3%. 133 13,3% 13 3 (13,3%) 126 12 12,6 diagnosticada regulares recentes BRA, BRA , (BRA) significativamente digoxina AAS (AAS custo 28,2%, 282 28,2% 28 (28,2%) 14%, 14 14% (14%) 64,5% 645 64 (64,5% 71,8%. 718 71,8% 71 8 (71,8%) 21 2,1 intervenções consulta cardíacas prévios precoce 20 p00 p<0, 85, 53,1 (53, 5426 54,2±6 58,1 (58,1 13,3 (13,3% 12, (BRA 28,2 (28,2% (14% 64,5 (64,5 71,8 (71,8% 2, p0 p<0 53, (53 542 54,2± 58, (58, 13, (13,3 28, (28,2 (14 64, (64, 71, (71,8 p< (5 54,2 (58 (13, (28, (1 (64 (71, ( 54, (13 (28 (6 (71 (2 (7

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of adult mortality. Geographically remote and low-income Brazilian regions lack specialized consultations. The telemedicine management of this population by cardiologists is not fully known. Objectives To analyze cardiology teleconsultation in the Brazilian region with the highest number of isolated cities. Methods From February 2020 to October 2021, patients from the North Region of Brazil evaluated by local general practitioners were referred for cardiological evaluation by telemedicine. Referral reasons, demographics, clinical history, physical examinations, tests, medications, and prescriptions pre- and post-telemedicine were analyzed (p<0.05 was considered statistically significant). Results We analyzed 653 patients. The attendance rate was 85.7% (53.1% female, mean age: 54.2±6.5 years). The main reasons for referral were cardiovascular symptoms (58.1%) and risk factors among asymptomatic patients (13.3%). Only 12.6% had a diagnosed disease. Most patients had regular physical examinations and electrocardiograms. Few had recent complementary tests. The prescription of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers and statins was significantly increased, while that of digoxin, noncardiac beta-blockers and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was decreased at the first teleconsultation. Most of the tests requested were of low complexity and cost: electrocardiogram (28.2%), chest X-ray (14%), echocardiogram (64.5%) and blood tests (71.8%). For 2.1% of patients, interventions were indicated, and 8% were discharged after the first consultation. Conclusion On-demand cardiology teleconsultation contributes to heart disease treatment optimization. Most patients were referred with syndromic diagnoses without previous complementary tests. The specialist workup requested was usually available locally and at a low cost but precluded early discharge. Local training could optimize the referral. mortality lowincome income consultations known cities 202 2021 demographics history medications pre posttelemedicine post p<0.05 p005 p 0 05 (p<0.0 significant. significant . significant) 65 857 85 7 85.7 53.1% 531 53 1 (53.1 female age 54265 54 2 6 5 54.2±6. years. years years) 58.1% 581 58 (58.1% 13.3%. 133 13.3% 13 3 (13.3%) 126 12 12.6 electrocardiograms ARBs, ARBs , (ARBs) increased digoxin betablockers beta ASA (ASA 28.2%, 282 28.2% 28 (28.2%) Xray X ray 14%, 14 14% (14%) 64.5% 645 64 (64.5% 71.8%. 718 71.8% 71 8 (71.8%) 21 2.1 indicated consultation Ondemand On demand optimization discharge 20 p<0.0 p00 (p<0. 85. 53.1 (53. 5426 54.2±6 58.1 (58.1 13.3 (13.3% 12. (ARBs 28.2 (28.2% (14% 64.5 (64.5 71.8 (71.8% 2. p<0. p0 (p<0 53. (53 542 54.2± 58. (58. 13. (13.3 28. (28.2 (14 64. (64. 71. (71.8 p<0 (p< (5 54.2 (58 (13. (28. (1 (64 (71. p< (p ( 54. (13 (28 (6 (71 (2 (7

ABSTRACT Chest pain is a frequent, potentially life-threatening condition in the emergency department and requires immediate investigation and treatment. This case report highlights a rare differential diagnosis of pleuritic chest pain: epipericardial fat necrosis. A 29-year-old man presented with normal clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, point-of-care ultrasound, and unremarkable laboratory tests. The initial hypothesis was acute pleuritis. Chest radiography revealed peri-cardiac nonspecific findings, and computed tomography revealed epicardial fat necrosis. Despite the rarity of this condition, accurate diagnosis allows for better practices. An algorithm for a diagnostic approach is proposed. frequent lifethreatening life threatening treatment necrosis 29yearold yearold 29 year old evaluation electrocardiography pointofcare point care ultrasound tests pleuritis pericardiac peri cardiac findings practices proposed 2

Resumo A doença valvar cardíaca é um problema de saúde crescente no mundo. Os pacientes com valvopatia podem apresentar diversas emergências cardiovasculares. O manejo desses pacientes é um desafio no departamento de emergência, principalmente quando a condição cardíaca prévia é desconhecida. Atualmente, recomendações específicas para o manejo inicial são limitadas. A presente revisão integrativa propõe uma abordagem baseada em evidência, de três etapas, desde a suspeita de valvopatia à beira do leito até o tratamento inicial das emergências. A primeira etapa é a suspeita de uma condição valvar subjacente com base nos sinais e sintomas. A segunda etapa consiste na tentativa de confirmação diagnóstica e avaliação da gravidade da valvopatia com exames complementares. Finalmente, a terceira etapa aborda as opções diagnósticas e terapêuticas para insuficiência cardíaca, fibrilação atrial, trombose valvar, febre reumática aguda, e endocardite infecciosa. Além disso, apresentamos imagens de exames complementares e tabelas para apoio aos médicos. mundo cardiovasculares emergência desconhecida Atualmente limitadas evidência etapas sintomas Finalmente atrial aguda infecciosa disso médicos

Abstract Valvular heart disease (VHD) is an increasing health problem worldwide. Patients with VHD may experience several cardiovascular-related emergencies. The management of these patients is a challenge in the emergency department, especially when the previous heart condition is unknown. Specific recommendations for the initial management are currently poor. This integrative review proposes an evidence-based three-step approach from bedside VHD suspicion to the initial treatment of the emergencies. The first step is the suspicion of underlying valvular condition based on signs and symptoms. The second step comprises the attempt to confirm the diagnosis and assessment of VHD severity with complementary tests. Finally, the third step addresses the diagnosis and treatment options for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvular thrombosis, acute rheumatic fever, and infective endocarditis. In addition, several images of complementary tests and summary tables are provided for physician support. (VHD worldwide cardiovascularrelated cardiovascular related emergencies department unknown poor evidencebased evidence threestep three symptoms Finally failure fibrillation thrombosis fever endocarditis addition support

ABSTRACT Objective To calculate the positive likelihood ratio to determine whether telemedicine is able to optimize referral to the emergency department. Methods Unicenter study with 182 consecutive patients admitted to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein due to respiratory symptoms. All patients were submitted to oxygen saturation measurement using the standard method Welch Allyn finger device vital sign monitor and a 2-minute evaluation (Binah.ai mobile application). The reproducibility of oxygen saturation measurements made with both methods was investigated using interclass correlation coefficients and analysis of dispersion. Bland-Altman plots were constructed and kappa concordance coefficients used to examine data normality. Accuracy was also estimated. Results Oxygen saturation measurement differences between methods were ≤2% in more than 85% of cases. The mean difference (bias) between methods was near zero (0.835; Bland-Altman analysis). Oxygen saturation measurements made using the Binah.ai mobile application had an average ability to detect patients with altered oxygen saturation levels compared to the conventional method (ROC analysis). The positive likelihood ratio of the mobile application was 6.23. Conclusion Mobile applications for oxygen saturation measurement are accessible user-friendly tools with moderate impact on clinical telemedicine evaluation of patients with respiratory symptoms, and may optimize referral to the emergency department. department 18 symptoms 2minute minute 2 Binahai Binah ai application. . application) dispersion BlandAltman Bland Altman normality estimated ≤2 85 cases bias (bias 0.835 0835 0 835 (0.835 analysis. analysis) ROC 623 6 23 6.23 userfriendly user friendly 1 ≤ 8 0.83 083 83 (0.83 62 6.2 0.8 08 (0.8 6. 0. (0. (0 (

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade da orientação por telemedicina de médicos in situ não treinados na avaliação ultrassonográfica de múltiplos órgãos mediante protocolo padronizado, durante uma situação de risco de vida em hospital de campanha. Materiais e Métodos: Avaliamos 11 pacientes com choque e/ou dispneia de manifestação aguda durante a internação, cujos clínicos gerais solicitaram auxílio de especialista a distância. Resultados: Todos os médicos aceitaram o protocolo e, posicionando o transdutor, obtiveram imagens-chave da veia jugular interna, pulmão e veia cava inferior, quando guiados por um médico via telemedicina, que interpretou os achados desses órgãos. No entanto, apenas quatro (36%) médicos in situ obtiveram a imagem-chave apropriada do coração na janela paraesternal do eixo longo esquerdo e três (27%) tiveram imagem remotamente interpretada imediatamente. O tempo de avaliação variou de 7-42 minutos (média de 22,7 ± 12 minutos). Conclusão: Em situação de risco de vida, os clínicos gerais não treinados podem ser corretamente orientados por especialistas em telemedicina para realizar ultrassonografia multiórgãos in situ, melhorando o diagnóstico beira do leito.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of telemedicine using a standardized multiorgan ultrasound assessment protocol to guide untrained on-site general practitioners at a field hospital during a life-threatening crisis. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 11 inpatients with shock, with or without acute dyspnea, for whom general practitioners spontaneously requested remote evaluation by a specialist. Results: All of the general practitioners accepted the protocol and were able to position the transducer correctly, thus obtaining key images of the internal jugular vein, lungs, and inferior vena cava when guided remotely by a telemedicine physician, who interpreted all of the findings. However, only four (36%) of the on-site general practitioners obtained the appropriate key image of the heart in the left parasternal long-axis view, and only three (27%) received an immediate interpretation of an image from the remote physician. The mean evaluation time was 22.7 ± 12 min (range, 7-42 min). Conclusion: Even in life-threatening situations, untrained general practitioners may be correctly guided by telemedicine specialists to perform multiorgan point-of-care ultrasound in order to improve bedside diagnostic evaluation.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze telemedicine diagnostic accuracy in patients with respiratory infections during COVID-19 pandemic compared to face-to-face evaluation in the emergency department. Methods Randomized, unicentric study between September 2020 and November 2020 in patients with any respiratory symptom (exclusion criteria: age >65 years, chronic heart or lung diseases, immunosuppressed). Patients were randomized 1:1 for brief telemedicine followed by face-to-face consultation or direct face-to-face evaluation. The primary endpoint was the International Classification of Diseases code. The secondary analysis comprised length of stay, diagnostic test ordering, medical prescription, and proposed destination. Results Ninety-eight patients were enrolled. The mean age was 36.3±9.7 years old, 57.1% were women, and 81.6% had diagnostic test ordered. Mean grouped by International Classification of Diseases code for upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngotonsillitis, and sinusitis showed no difference between study groups or secondary endpoints. The Telemedicine Group was representative of the population usually evaluated in this center. In the Telemedicine Group (n=48), 18.7% patients would be referred for evaluation at the emergency department. The distribution of diagnoses by telemedicine was 67.4% for upper respiratory tract infection, 2.3% for pharyngotonsillitis, and 0% for sinusitis, being statistically similar to the subsequent face-to-face assessment, respectively: 72.1%, 11.6% and 7% (Kappa 0.386 [95%CI: 0.112-0.66]; p=0.536). Telemedicine ordered COVID-19 molecular (RT-PCR) tests in 76.5% versus 79.4% in face-to-face evaluation (Kappa 0.715 [95%CI: 0.413-1]; p>0.999). Conclusion Diagnostic telemedicine consultation of low-risk patients with acute respiratory symptoms is not inferior to face-to-face evaluation at emergency department. Telemedicine is to be reinforced in the health care system as a strategy for the initial assessment of acute patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04806477

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade e satisfação em relação à orientação teleoncológica realizada em população vulnerável de pacientes com câncer de mama e provenientes do sistema público de saúde durante a pandemia do coronavírus em 2020. Métodos Pacientes elegíveis foram agendados para atendimento remoto visando minimizar exposição a ambientes com risco de infecção respiratória. O meio de comunicação foi o telefone, pois permite conversa sem custos. Um questionário anônimo com base na escala Likert foi enviado através de aplicativo de telefone celular ou e-mail para paciente ou familiares, logo após a teleconsulta. As respostas, que abordavam utilidade, facilidade, qualidade da interface, qualidade da interação, confiabilidade, satisfação e interesse em avaliações futuras, foram compiladas e analisadas. Resultados Um total de 176 pacientes elegíveis para teleconsulta foram avaliados e 98 foram incluídos. Setenta (71,4%) realizaram a teleorientação com sucesso. O questionário foi respondido por 43 (61,4%) pacientes. De maneira geral, a teleorientação foi classificada como muito positiva por 41 (95,3%) pacientes. Em relação aos itens avaliados, 43 (100%) pacientes pontuaram 4 ou 5 (concordaram que a teleconsulta era benéfica) em relação à facilidade do serviço, seguido por 42 (97,2%) para a qualidade da interface, 41 (95,3%) tanto para a utilidade quanto para a qualidade da interação, 40 (93%) para satisfação e interesse em avaliação futura e 39 (90,6%) para confiabilidade em relação ao método. Conclusão A orientação teleoncológica empacientes de baixa renda e com câncer de mama mostrou ser viável e com altas taxas de satisfação.

Abstract Objective The present study aims to assess the feasibility and patient satisfaction of teleoncology orientation in a vulnerable population of breast cancer patients assessed in a government health system during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Methods Eligible patients received an invitation to receive remote care to minimize exposure to an environment in which the risk of respiratory infection was present. The means of communication was telephone through an application that allows free conversation with no charge. An anonymous-response questionnaire based on a Likert-type scale was sent through a cell phone application or e-mail directly to each patient or close relative of the patient immediately after teleconsultation. Responses to the questions, which addressed utility, facility, interface quality, interaction quality, reliability, satisfaction, and interest in future evaluation, were compiled and analyzed. Results A total of 176 eligible patients scheduled for consultation were evaluated and 98 were included. Seventy (71.4%) successfully undertook the teleorientation. The questionnaire was submitted by 43 (61.4%) patients. The overall teleoncology orientation was classified as very positive by 41 (95.3%) patients. Specifically, regarding the questionnaire items, 43 (100%) patients scored 4 or 5 (agreed that the teleconsultation was beneficial) concerning the facility, followed by 42 (97.2%) for the interface quality, 41 (95.3%) for both utility and interaction quality, 40 (93%) for satisfaction and interest in future evaluation, and, finally, 39 (90.6%) for reliability. Conclusion Teleoncology orientation of low-income breast cancer patients is most feasible and leads to high patient satisfaction.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar as variáveis associadas ao encaminhamento à emergência após consulta de Telemedicina durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, realizado entre março e maio de 2020, com amostra de 500 pacientes adultos. O critério de inclusão foi apresentação de sintomas respiratórios, independente do tipo. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 34,7±10,5 anos, e 59% eram do sexo feminino. A maioria dos pacientes (62,6%) se classificou subjetivamente como tendo um mal-estar, e alguns (41,4%) autodiagnosticaram COVID-19. Tosse (74,4%), rinorreia (65,6%), dor de garganta (38,6%) e espirros (20,6%) foram os sintomas mais comuns relacionados à infecção. Dispneia e dor torácica foram relatados por 29,4% e 16% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Foi calculado o escore de Roth de um número considerável de pacientes (67,6%), obtendo resultado normal em 83,5%, moderadamente alterado em 10,7% e grave em 5,6%. A percentagem de casos suspeitos de COVID-19 foi de 67,6%, e 75% desses foram gerenciados remotamente, com apenas um quarto sendo encaminhado para avaliação imediata na emergência. Conclusão: A avaliação da Telemedicina está associada à reclassificação da impressão subjetiva do paciente, melhor inspeção da COVI-19 e identificação de pacientes de risco. O encaminhamento é otimizado, para evitar avaliação presencial inadequada, e permite que os pacientes de baixo risco sejam orientados de forma apropriada. A Telemedicina deve ser implementada no sistema de saúde como estratégia com boa relação custo-efetividade para a avaliação inicial de pacientes agudos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize variables associated with referral to the emergency department following Telemedicine consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study conducted between March and May 2020, with a sample of 500 adult patients. The inclusion criterion was the manifestation of respiratory symptoms, regardless of type. Results: The mean age of patients was 34.7±10.5 years, and 59% were women. Most patients (62.6%) perceived their own health status as malaise and some (41.4%) self-diagnosed COVID-19. Cough (74.4%), rhinorrhea (65.6%), sore throat (38.6%) and sneezing (20.6%) were the most common infection-related symptoms. Overall, 29.4% and 16% of patients reported dyspnea and chest pain, respectively. The Roth score was calculated for a sizeable number of patients (67.6%) and was normal, moderately altered or severely altered in 83.5%, 10.7% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. The percentage of suspected COVID-19 cases was 67.6%. Of these, 75% were managed remotely and only one quarter referred for emergency assessment. Conclusion: Telemedicine assessment is associated with reclassification of patient's subjective impression, better inspection of coronavirus disease 2019 and identification of risk patients. Referral is therefore optimized to avoid inappropriate in-person assessment, and low-risk patients can be properly guided. Telemedicine should be implemented in the health care system as a cost-effective strategy for initial assessment of acute patients.