Implementing a telephone follow-up educational program for COVID-19 patients

Abstract

The Education and Telephone Follow-up Program (PEST) at the Hospital María, Pediatric Specialties, is presented as a challenging strategy to improve access to health services through telemedicine during the pandemic. In March 2020, Hospital Maria, Especialidades Pediátricas in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, launched the Education and Telephone Follow-up Program to provide remote support to patients and families, educate them about home care, identify warning signs, and promote preventive measures, including follow-up after discharge and support for home oxygen therapy. In the 22 months that program operated, 8,033 patients received telephone follow-up, 47,034 calls were made, and 6,424 families received education in the hospital. This telemedicine model, vital during the pandemic, is proposed as an effective and adaptable strategy for future health crises, demonstrating its capacity to improve the management of public health emergencies.