# Effectiveness of Treatment Approaches in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Comparative Evaluation between a Specialized Center and Conventional Hospitals

## TL;DR

This study compares the outcomes of treating COVID-19 pneumonia patients in a specialized hospital versus general hospitals in Spain, finding no significant difference in clinical outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides evidence that specialized hospitals can manage pandemic surges without worsening patient outcomes.

## Key findings

- Adjusted hospital mortality at the specialized center was not significantly higher than at conventional hospitals.
- Patients at the specialized hospital were younger and had fewer comorbidities.
- Specialized centers may help preserve capacity in general hospitals during pandemics.

## Abstract

Background: The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed general hospitals in Spain. In response, a dedicated hospital for COVID-19 care, the Hospital de Emergencias Enfermera Isabel Zendal (HEEIZ), was established. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated at the specialized HEEIZ with those at conventional general hospitals (CGHs) in Madrid, Spain. Methods: The study was a prospective, observational cohort study including COVID-19 patients admitted to the HEEIZ and 14 CGHs (December 2020 to August 2021). Patients were assigned based on hospital preference. Clinical data were collected and analyzed using multivariate regression to assess primary and secondary outcomes, including hospital mortality, need of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and pharmacological treatments. Results: The HEEIZ cohort (n = 2997) was younger and had lower Charlson comorbidity scores than the CGH cohort (n = 1526). Adjusted HEEIZ hospital mortality was not significantly higher compared with CGHs (OR: 1.274; 95% CI: 0.781–2.079; p = 0.332). Conclusions: During the study period, patients admitted to the HEEIZ showed no significant differences in clinical outcomes, compared with patients admitted at CGHs. These results might support the use of specialized centers in managing pandemic surges, allowing CGHs to handle other needs.