Abstract Body

Background/Purpose: Portuguese general practitioners (GPs) are responsible for the remote assessment of patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, and for the follow-up of confirmed cases during the isolation period, directing the patient to observation if needed, and continuing the telemonitoring after they are dismissed. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the essential role of primary care in responding and handling the aftermath of COVID-19.

Methods: Case study.

Results: The patient is a 57-year-old male construction worker, with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. On December 14, the patient developed cough, intermittent fever, dyspnea and pleuritic pain, which led to a positive test result for SARS CoV-2 and indication for home isolation with GP daily assessment. During the first days of telemonitoring, the symptoms gradually worsened and the patient was guided to observation in the emergency department. He is then admitted in an intensive care unit for three days, being dismissed home after a week. During the remaining isolation period the patient sister, also infected, passes away, triggering natural grief reactions. Following the infection phase, the patient presented a poorly controlled diabetes and remained severely fatigued, anorexic, with marked physical activity limitation, resulting in the need for respiratory and musculoskeletal rehabilitation plus nutritional and psychological support.

Conclusions: This case report validates primary care as the first medical contact during a pandemic, managing the great majority of COVID-19 related care, from the first symptoms to handling the consequences of the disease in all its dimensions, for the patient, family and community.