Nearly 90% of patients with COVID-19 are asked to self-isolate and monitor their symptoms at home. Remote monitoring has the potential to facilitate emergency department (ED) and hospital-level care for patients who need it while supporting access to care for patients who can safely remain at home. In March 2020, the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine) launched COVID Watch, an automated text message-based remote monitoring program with 24/7 clinical support. Patients enrolled in COVID Watch received text message check-ins twice a day for 2 weeks. When a patient reported new or worsening dyspnea (difficulty breathing), an alert was sent to the clinical support team, who called the patient within 1 hour and either directed them to the ED, scheduled an urgent telemedicine appointment, or advised them to continue to self-monitor at home.
