Inpatient use of mobile continuous telemetry for COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin

The current COVID-19 pandemic has placed extreme stress on the global health care system. Novel approaches to managing COIVD-19 patients are required. Preliminary results from a small trial suggest that a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin is efficacious for reducing the viral load in patients with COVID-19.1 Although the arrhythmogenic risk of these medications is low, both of these medications alone, and in combination, can prolong the QT interval.1–7 Patients receiving this regimen require, at a minimum, serial electrocardiograms (ECGs), which increases the risk of potential exposures for staff members and requires use of additional personal protective equipment.