Introduction and objectivesThe ongoing respiratory sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia remain unclear, and the ideal follow-up of these patients is still a work in progress. We describe our experience of using a pre-follow-up multidisciplinary team (MDT) to decide the follow-up stream in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 pneumonia.
Methods: We reviewed all patients with a clinico-radiological diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to hospital during a 3-month period and assigned a follow-up stream based on British Thoracic Society guidance.
Results: We changed the follow-up pathway in 71% (277/392) and refined the pathway in 67% (261/392) of indeterminate cases. We also created an automated process for the general practitioner to book follow-up imaging and will use this process going forward.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of the MDT review of cases with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia prior to clinic attendance to ensure appropriate patients are followed up and to optimise utilisation of outpatient imaging and clinics.
Keywords: COVID-19; multidisciplinary team; respiratory medicine; ventilatory support.
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