# Effectiveness of an Evidence-Based Multidisciplinary Approach for Patients With Multiple Comorbidities Admitted to a Quarantine Facility in a Tertiary Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic

## TL;DR

A multidisciplinary approach successfully managed high-risk patients with multiple health issues during quarantine for COVID-19, resulting in low complications and no deaths.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary care model for managing comorbid patients in quarantine during a pandemic.

## Key findings

- All 62 patients received comprehensive geriatric assessments and multidisciplinary care with no in-hospital mortality.
- Common comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in over 79% of patients.
- Post-discharge, Qatari patients were more likely to be transferred to long-term care compared to non-Qatari patients.

## Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic necessitates quarantine measures for travelers, including those with multiple comorbidities. This study examined the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in managing high-risk patients admitted to a quarantine facility in Qatar during the pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 patients admitted to the quarantine facility of the Rumailah Hospital from March 1 to October 25, 2020. Data on demographics, comorbidities, clinical management, infection rates, and outcomes were collected and analysed.

Results: The cohort included 62 (100.0%) patients: 22 (35.5%) male individuals and 40 (64.5%) female individuals, with 25 (40.3%) Qatari nationals. Common comorbidities were hypertension 51 (82.3%), diabetes 49 (79.0%), and chronic kidney disease 26 (41.9%). In-hospital morbidity occurred in 4 (6.5%) patients, with no significant sex or nationality differences. Post-discharge, 15 (60.0%) Qatari patients were transferred to long-term care compared to 8 (21.6%) non-Qatari patients, while 22 (59.4%) non-Qatari patients were discharged home compared to 8 (32.0%) Qatari patients. All patients (62 (100.0%))received comprehensive geriatric assessments and multidisciplinary care. No in-hospital mortality was observed.

Conclusion: The multidisciplinary approach effectively managed elderly patients with multiple comorbidities during quarantine, achieving low morbidity and no in-hospital mortality. Comprehensive, patient-centered care mitigated severe infection risks in vulnerable populations during a public health emergency.