@article {Tomlinsone234, author = {James Tomlinson and Selina Khan and Georgina Page}, title = {Incorporating SPACES recommendations to the COVID-19 ward care approach at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {e234--e237}, year = {2020}, doi = {10.7861/clinmed.2020-0613}, publisher = {Royal College of Physicians}, abstract = {The British Thoracic Society have published SPACES (Sharing Patient Assessments Cuts Exposure for Staff) guidance recommending the use of telecommunications as a means of inpatient clinical assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this audit was to reduce face-to-face exposure time during inpatient care of patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using a telecommunications-based approach. 76 patients were included in the audit. 46 patients were included in cycle 1, which measured the average face-to-face time for clinical consultation per patient. 30 patients were included in cycle 2, whereby history-taking was conductedusing telecommunications and, if required, face-to-face physical examination.Average face-to-face exposure time was reduced to a median of 0 seconds (IQR 0{\textendash}146.3 seconds) in the telecommunications group, from a median of 312.5 seconds (IQR 178.8{\textendash}442.3 seconds) in the comparator group (p\<0.0001). Patient satisfaction was high with individuals{\textquoteright} responses revealing a perception of improved safety by maintaining social distancing. No adverse events were noted.The audit confirms telecommunications can be integrated successfully into the daily inpatient ward round structure, reducing face-to-face exposure time while maintaining patient satisfaction and safety.}, issn = {1470-2118}, URL = {https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/20/6/e234}, eprint = {https://www.rcpjournals.org/content/20/6/e234.full.pdf}, journal = {Clinical Medicine} }