Figure 2.

Tele-MDU functions at the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Tele-MDU functions during the COVID-19 pandemic are shown for both the inpatient (left panel) and outpatient arenas (right panel). Left panel: Inpatient arena: during the in-hospital phase (A), patients were discharged as soon as clinically acceptable, even before knowing the results of endomyocardial biopsy; the definite diagnosis of myocarditis, and subsequent therapeutic and follow-up plans were communicated via telemedicine (B). Right panel: Outpatient arena: in clinically stable outpatients, follow-up timeline was defined by the tele-MDU (A), according to the predefined polyambulatory agenda; in the presence of symptoms or signs suggesting clinical instability, as assessed by the referral physician and notified to the MDU, a patient-centered approach was applied (B): in particular, additional MDU telemeetings were planned, or at least a priority was assigned, to ensure a prompt decision making.

COVID-19, disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 during the current worldwide pandemics; MDU, Myocarditis Disease Unit; RPs, referral physicians.