Abstract
Clinicians notify positive results of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 polymerase chain reaction to patients and/or relatives, whilst short message service (SMS) has been adopted as a means of disseminating negative results. Therefore, clinicians should be adequately equipped to provide telephonic consultation whilst delivering a positive test result to patients. The news of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test result often invokes fear of impending death in patients, especially the elderlies and those with comorbidities. In addition, several survivors have reported persistent symptoms and COVID-19-related stigma, which precludes them from immediate re-integration into their workplaces. Consequently, COVID-19 results are perceived as bad news by the members of the public. This article justifies why COVID-19 test results are bad news and also discusses the notification steps to follow when delivering COVID-19 results, whilst also addressing patients’ immediate concerns. The article concludes by highlighting an important safety net for COVID-19 patients and the attending clinician.
Highlights
With the increasing incidence of caronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at the population level,[1] many health facilities can no longer admit all patients under investigations (PUIs), especially those with mild disease
The implication thereof is that patients with mild disease would be managed as outpatients and being in self-quarantine, whilst waiting for the results of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
This article focuses on two important questions, namely why the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease should be considered in a similar context as the conditions mentioned here, and what are the steps to follow in communicating the results of COVID-19 to patients
Summary
With the increasing incidence of caronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at the population level,[1] many health facilities can no longer admit all patients under investigations (PUIs), especially those with mild disease. The process of communicating a COVID-19 result may put undue pressure on the clinician who may not be experienced in breaking unpleasant (bad) news.
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Schedule a callMore From: South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care
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