Pulse oximetry to detect early deterioration of patients with COVID-19 in primary and community care settings, NHS England (updated 12th January 2021)

Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 may make direct contact with practices or be referred to practices by NHS 111 and the COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Service (CCAS). If patients present directly to general practice, they should be assessed by the practice rather than redirected to NHS 111, as this poses significant risks to unwell patients. Existing evidence suggests the cohorts that will benefit most are those with: 1. A diagnosis of COVID-19: either clinically or positive test result, and are also: 2. Symptomatic and are either: a. aged 65 years or older or b. under 65 years and clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to COVID-19. 3 Colleagues are advised to consider carefully the implications before extending the pathway more widely.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news