A newly published study coauthored by Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine faculty members Rulin Hechter, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Systems Science and William Towner, MD, Professor of Clinical Science, sheds light on the vital role of remdesivir (RDV) treatment and advanced medical care at home (AMCAH) in delivering comprehensive outpatient services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating alongside colleagues from Kaiser Permanente, the researchers surveyed patients and physicians to understand their experiences with receiving or administering remdesivir at home—an innovative approach adopted to keep patients safe while relieving pressure on hospitals.
The study involved more than 1,500 patients and hundreds of physicians in California, focusing on those who received RDV at home between December 2020 and August 2022. Findings revealed exceptionally high patient adherence rates, with 99% completing more than 80% of their prescribed doses. Patients praised the program for allowing them to recover in the comfort of their homes and highlighted supportive nursing care and clear communication as keys to their satisfaction. Physicians, meanwhile, reported that feeling knowledgeable about RDV helped them confidently prescribe the medication during the rapidly evolving circumstances of emergency use authorization.
Significantly, the study found that patients who were very satisfied with their medical follow-up were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, underscoring the impact of robust outpatient care on positive health outcomes. Both patients and providers responded favorably to the integration of remdesivir and advanced home care, demonstrating that the acute needs of COVID-19 patients can be safely met in non-hospital settings.
The findings inform future models for treating acute illnesses and show that advanced medical care at home, coupled with appropriate medication, can provide effective, patient-centered solutions even during a global health crisis.
