A novel use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic brought with it many challenges but possibly the biggest was the best use of national hospital resources. With the aim to protect the hospital healthcare resources in the country whilst simultaneously safeguarding the health of COVID-19-infected patients, a telemedicine system led by experts was set up in Malta.

Methods: A team of local experts, called the 'Community COVID-19 Initial Assessment team' (CCIAT), co-ordinated the initial medical assessment and decisions for all newly diagnosed community patients.