Pattern of patients attending COVID 19 screening clinic: SWOT analysis of a salutogenic endeavour in North Bengal Medical College, Darjeeling district, West Bengal.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic is a unique public health challenge causing unprecedented disruptions in normalcy. Low-and-middle-income countries need more context-relevant approaches since a majority of the world population lives here. Pandemic response in India was graded, and routine healthcare came to a screeching halt. COVID 19 Screening clinic was initiated with the intent to screen suspects and provide needful care after required consultation. It imparted preventive health education and addressed relevant queries, alleviating stress in the process. The second wave hit hard despite vaccination. To determine the pattern of patients attending, to conduct SWOT analysis for an insight into clinic functioning and to generate a database for further simulation were primary objectives. Descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based secondary data analysis was conducted in North Bengal medical college and hospital (NBMCH) for three months with the help of preformed proforma, interview guide and available records. An exit interview was conducted. Willing participants were enrolled. Verbal consent and Institutional Ethics Clearance were taken. An induction program was held every two months by the Department of Medicine, NBMCH. The clinic recorded 60,427 cases from 23rd March 2020 to 28th February 2021. The majority were males, Hindus and from rural areas of the Darjeeling district. 60.4% were symptomatic. Total cases quarantined, tested and admitted were 39.8%, 74.9% and 34.7%, respectively. However, unlike before, from September, 80.1% of the cases were symptomatic, and the majority came only for testing as national lockdown had ceased. SWOT Analysis revealed Strength as being able to operate 24*7 with coordination among all tiers of health care workers. Select seniors helped in its smooth conduction. The Weakness identified was clinic location beside the emergency, creating confusion.