Know Your Resident’s Comorbidities!

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

A recent study by Annie Wong-Beringer, PharmD, FCCP and colleagues found that the shorter the time from the onset of COVID symptoms to hospitalization, the more serious the disease becomes and a higher mortality rate! The study included 252 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between March 14 and May 14.

Patients presenting within three days after symptoms onset tended to be older (65 vs 58 years) and were more likely to have hypertension (59% vs 41%) and chronic kidney disease (14% vs 3%) than those admitted after one week.

Wong-Beringer stated, “clinicians should closely follow patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease to ensure medication adherence and optimal disease control, and target these individuals for vaccine prioritization and aggressive management of COVID-19”.

Isn’t this what we should be doing every day, regardless of a pandemic? Of course it is, we assess our residents on a scheduled basis and provide information to their physician. However, as a prudent provider, let’s not “assume” our practices are in line with our policies. Consider having someone audit medical records to ensure residents are being assessed timely, that physicians are being notified appropriately and that the quality care we provided prior to the pandemic continues! Stay well, stay safe, and stay tuned!