Coronavirus: Some quick takes and a resource list

Bryttnaye Karker from outpatient surgery takes the temperature of people entering the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. (photo by Maisha Brown)

A roundup of brief items and a list of resources related to the coronavirus:

Crisis prompts hospital to think of new ways to do things

-- “Virtual visits” allow patients who are in Upstate University Hospital or the emergency department to download an app on their cellphone that allows them to communicate with their health care professional in the hospital, without that person having to enter the patient’s room. “This diminishes the exposure of our frontline providers,” explains Robert Corona, DO, the hospital’s chief executive officer.

-- Nurses devised a way to monitor some infected patients who are on intravenous medication without entering the patient’s room, the hospital’s chief nursing officer, Nancy Page, says. By using extension tubing, they can place the IV pole in the hall outside of the patient’s room, so they can reduce the number of times they enter the room to monitor and make adjustments.

Responding to the request for PPE

Research scientists at Upstate Medical University have donated supplies from their labs to be used by frontline hospital staff.

In a request to scientists, Vice President for Research David Amberg, PhD, asked those working in the labs to use social distancing instead of gloves, masks and gowns. “We ask that you lend all PPE (personal protective equipment), you have to University Hospital, so our frontline health care workers remain protected from infection.”

For members of the community who wish to donate PPE, please email: CovidDonations@upstate.edu

Telehealth options for patients

Many Upstate University Hospital clinics are now offering telehealth visits via secure video and phone lines, so patients can see their providers safely and privately from their homes.

Outpatient clinics postponed non-urgent visits to prepare for an increase in patients needing critical care and to reduce person-to-person contact. Current patients may contact their Upstate doctor’s office for options; new patients can call Upstate Connect at 315-464-8668 or 800-464-8668.

In addition to remote options, some practices, including urology, 315-464-1500, and orthopedics, 315-464-8600, are extending hours to accommodate urgent visits for patients who might otherwise seek care in the emergency department.

Resources

From Upstate Medical University

If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus, visit upstate.edu/covid for an online assessment tool that will help you determine your next step.

Find a collection of Upstate-generated COVID-19 news at upstate.edu/covidnews

A variety of medical experts from Upstate offers education and advice about the coronavirus via podcast. Visit upstate.edu/healthlinkonair

From New York state

For emotional support related to COVID-19, calls are answered between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. at 844-863-9314.

For general questions about COVID-19 infection, call 888-364-3065.

From the federal government

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiles coronavirus information at coronavirus.gov

The National Institutes of Health compiles research related to the coronavirus at nih.gov/coronavirus

This article is from the spring 2020 Upstate Health magazine, a special edition dealing with the coronavirus.