Barriers and facilitators in the implementation of a tele-triage system for remote identification of suspected COVID-19 cases by student volunteers

Authors

  • Stefan Escobar-Agreda Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru
  • Silvana M. Matassini Eyzaguirre Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6175-3645
  • Javier Silva-Valencia Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru
  • Mahony Reategui-Rivera Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4030-8777
  • Kelly De la Cruz-Torralva Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5329-0644
  • Bruno Hernandez-Iriarte Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9522-2789
  • Max Chahuara-Rojas Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru
  • Leonardo Rojas-Mezarina Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15381/anales.v85i1.26016

Keywords:

Triage, Telemedicine, Volunteers, COVID-19, Peru

Abstract

Introduction. In Peru, the tele-triage system (TTS) led by volunteer students allowed for the remote identification of suspected COVID-19 cases. However, the barriers and facilitators of its implementation are still unknown. Objectives. To describe the barriers and facilitators regarding the implementation of a tele-triage system for the identification of suspected COVID-19 cases in Peru. Methods. A mixed-methods study was developed that described the characteristics of the users who participated in the TTS (quantitative). It also explored the perceptions of users and volunteers regarding the barriers and facilitators of implementing this service (qualitative). Results. Among the 4,317 users evaluated by the TTS, the average age was 36.2 years (standard deviation: 13.2), 58.6% were women, and only 41.4% were classified as suspected cases of COVID-19. Volunteers highlighted that their participation was facilitated by their availability of time and desire to help, although they noted problems with organization and a lack of equipment available for calls. Users valued the emotional support and clarity of the information provided but expressed mistrust about the remote COVID-19 assessment, and a limited understanding of the volunteers’ role. Conclusions. The TTS led by volunteer students allowed for the identification of suspected COVID-19 cases in Peru, and also served as a means to share information. However, aspects of disorganization and a lack of knowledge on the part of users were perceived as barriers to its implementation.

Author Biographies

  • Stefan Escobar-Agreda, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Silvana M. Matassini Eyzaguirre, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Peru

    Doctorado en ciencias de la salud.

  • Javier Silva-Valencia, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Maestría en informática biomédica.

  • Mahony Reategui-Rivera, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Kelly De la Cruz-Torralva, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Licenciada en psicología.

  • Bruno Hernandez-Iriarte, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Licenciado en administración en salud.

  • Max Chahuara-Rojas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico cirujano.

  • Leonardo Rojas-Mezarina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Unidad de Telesalud. Lima, Peru

    Médico especialista en administración en salud.

Downloads

Published

2024-01-25

Issue

Section

Artículo Original

How to Cite

1.
Escobar-Agreda S, Matassini Eyzaguirre SM, Silva-Valencia J, Reategui-Rivera M, De la Cruz-Torralva K, Hernandez-Iriarte B, et al. Barriers and facilitators in the implementation of a tele-triage system for remote identification of suspected COVID-19 cases by student volunteers. An Fac med [Internet]. 2024 Jan. 25 [cited 2024 Jul. 17];85(1):43-50. Available from: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/anales/article/view/26016