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Home isolation and online support strategies to mild COVID-19 epidemic waves in Thailand: preparing for the next
  • +19
  • Bonggochpass Pinsawas,
  • Anan Bedavanija,
  • Wanwalee Kochasawas,
  • Phakamas Jitpun,
  • Suree Leemongkol,
  • Pochamana Phisalprapa,
  • Weerachai Srivanichakorn,
  • Thanet Chaisathaphol,
  • Chaiwat Washirasaksiri,
  • Chonticha Auesomwang,
  • Tullaya Sitasuwan,
  • Rungsima Tinmanee,
  • Naruemit Sayabovorn,
  • Cherdchai Nopmaneejumruslers,
  • Methee Chayakulkeeree,
  • Pakpoom Phoompoung,
  • Gornmigar Sanpawitayakul,
  • Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha,
  • Saipin Muangman,
  • Visit Vamvanij,
  • Group SPHERE,
  • Korapat Mayurasakorn
Bonggochpass Pinsawas
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Anan Bedavanija
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Wanwalee Kochasawas
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Phakamas Jitpun
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Suree Leemongkol
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Pochamana Phisalprapa
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Weerachai Srivanichakorn
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Thanet Chaisathaphol
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Chaiwat Washirasaksiri
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Chonticha Auesomwang
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Tullaya Sitasuwan
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Rungsima Tinmanee
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Naruemit Sayabovorn
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Cherdchai Nopmaneejumruslers
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Methee Chayakulkeeree
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Pakpoom Phoompoung
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Gornmigar Sanpawitayakul
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Saipin Muangman
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Visit Vamvanij
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Group SPHERE
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Korapat Mayurasakorn
Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
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Abstract

Background: Thailand’s fourth and fifth waves of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) started in July and December 2021, respectively, and greatly overloaded the nation’s public health system. The massive imbalance between health resources and patient demand for services was one of the most significant challenges hampering the country’s response to the catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital-based facilities were overwhelmed with an exponential rise in new patient numbers, with a rapidly growing backlog of patients with delayed care or even acceptance within the healthcare system. In response, “outpatient self-isolation” (SI), “home-based isolation” (HI), and “community-based isolation” (CI) strategies were adopted to stabilize COVID-19 cases with mild to moderate symptoms. We present the lessons learned from the system management of HI by drawing on the experiences gained at a university hospital that provided patient-to-professional remote support during the pandemic. The vast majority of patients were assigned to HI immediately after being diagnosed with COVID-19. This system enabled remote consultation, needed medications, and survival-kit supplies to be initiated and delivered to patients’ homes. Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that the HI teleconsultation system was a productive approach to COVID-19 management. It allowed a prompt response to patients’ needs and provided timely access to medical support, especially for patients with mild to moderate symptoms.