The family physicians in a tertiary setting in COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: The isth experience

Abstract

Aim/Background: The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose a major health challenge globally. Nigeria have been battling with the pandemic since recording its first case on 28th February, 2020. Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) is one of the centres for the diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19 in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: To ensure safety of health care workers as well as non Covid-19 patients presenting to the hospital, measures were put in place by the hospital management and the department of family medicine.

Results:Patients were triaged prior to entering the hospital and the clinics such that patients with risk ofCovid-19 were seen separately. Home visits,
telemedicine, social distancing, appropriate safety attires including compulsory face masks for all were instituted.

Conclusion: With these measures, the hospital did not have to shut down its clinics, neither did it record any significant increase in Covid-19 cases compared to other centres. Thus non Covid-19 patients could get the highest standard of care without increasing their chances of contracting  Covid-19 from the hospital nor the health workers being put at increased risk. Recommendations: Clinics across the country and other climes should institute adequate safety measures to protect staff and patients while offering standard care to patients irrespective of ailment.

Key Words: Covid-19; Nigeria; Pandemic; Family Medicine; ISTH