Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, FCM clinical faculty, residents, fellows and staff have risen to the challenges posed by COVID-19, with determination and compassion. In particular, FCM clinical teams have worked countless hours taking care of patients in the clinic and hospital.
One compelling example of clinical progress in the fight against COVID includes Drs. Ann Mathias, Chantelle Chen, nurse practitioner Stephanie Roberts and their team at Banner – University Medicine Family Medicine Clinic at South Campus. They have been participating in a study exploring the efficacy of treating patients with COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies.
Monoclonal antibody treatment is a therapy for patients who have mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and are considered high-risk for severe illness and hospitalization. This important treatment helps high-risk COVID-19 patients stay out of the hospital.
So far, the team has given 600 monoclonal antibody infusions, and the current statistics show there is an approximate 70% reduction in hospitalization for those who have received the monoclonal antibodies treatment.
"People are actually recovering more quickly from COVID-19 and we're seeing a reduction in the need for people having to be hospitalized," said Dr. Chen. "You have the building blocks to fight the infection faster and sooner."
The results have been quite promising. So much so, that KVOA paid tribute to their efforts in a story, "Heroes of COVID-19."