key: cord-0705042-tj30pozu
authors: Laine, Christine; Cotton, Deborah; Moyer, Darilyn V.
title: Outpatient Evaluation and Management of COVID-19
date: 2022-02-15
journal: Ann Intern Med
DOI: 10.7326/m22-0403
sha: 1e7d9b56b9ceb9c6e1f1c3db308397c72fe10897
doc_id: 705042
cord_uid: tj30pozu

This article summarizes the ACP/Annals COVID-19 Forum VIII held on 9 February 2022.

The program began with presentation of 4 clinical cases, a poll of what attendees would do in each case, and then a discussion of what the panelists would do in each of the 4 situations. Following the discussion of the cases, the panelists addressed questions submitted by attendees.

Although panelists acknowledged that there were no absolute correct answers to many of the current questions about COVID-19, they aimed to offer practical advice based on what we know right now. When to test, in which situations polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen tests are most useful, and cautions about using antibody tests to guide clinical decisions were topics of robust debate. There was lively discussion about the need to emphasize the use of proven therapies over those whose effectiveness and safety have not been demonstrated and the importance of equitable distribution of therapies based on medical need. Along with the promise of emerging therapies, the panelists addressed the substantial shortcomings related to logistic challenges, limited availability, contraindications, and drug interactions.

In this as in the previous programs (1-7), which are all available for viewing on Annals.org, the challenge of keeping clinical and public health actions aligned with rapidly evolving knowledge was evident.

COVID-19 vaccine: what physicians need to know

COVID-19 vaccine: promoting vaccine acceptance

COVID-19 vaccine distribution and allocation: what physicians need to know

COVID-19 vaccine: practical clinical considerations

COVID-19: evaluation and care of patients with persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection

COVID-19: clinical and public health implications of SARS-CoV-2 immunology

COVID-19: challenging clinical questions