Safety and efficacy of pulse oximetry for remote monitoring of COVID-19 people

In COVID-19 patients, pulse oximetry is effective to monitor deterioration and keeping patients safe at home.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pulse oximetry (a commonly available and affordable tool) in remote patient monitoring of SARS-COV-2 infected people in non-hospital settings.

A total of 5 databases including bioRxiv, medRxiv, Global Health, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched for eligible studies. Observational studies, clinical trials, and feasibility studies including preprints were incorporated. Out of 561 studies, 13 observational cohort studies and 2908 participants were included. Due to the heterogeneity of the findings reported in the incorporated studies, the meta-analysis was not feasible.

Utilizing pulse oximetry in remote patient monitoring could aid to lower the pressure on medical care systems and save hospital resources for people who may benefit the most from care escalation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aids to monitor COVID-19 patients at home, and determine the risk of deterioration and the requirement for advanced care.

Using pulse oximetry as a monitoring tool for people at home with COVID-19 aided to triage people based on their peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) concentrations, identify deterioration risk, and boost patient safety.