ONE PLUS ONE AND MEDICAL ACCOMPANIMENT

Santiago Álvarez Montero. Coordinator of the medical area in UNO MÁS UNO.

The ONE PLUS ONE service at the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria has assembled a team of specially selected doctors who are offering, on a voluntary basis and free of charge, quality accompaniment to individuals experiencing isolation as a result of the conditions created by the COVID pandemic.

Our primary objective is to provide much-needed support to patients and their families, who are often isolated and distressed by the challenging circumstances of quarantine or hospitalization. In these circumstances, there is often significant stress, which in turn generates a multitude of doubts of all kinds, some of which are specifically medical in nature. In light of the current pressures on the health system, there may be some difficulties in accessing a health professional to resolve these issues.

This aspect of the ONE PLUS ONE service is accessible to any individual requiring medical clarification pertaining to their circumstances. Our service provides a calm and unhurried environment in which to discuss any health concerns, including those related to the current coronavirus pandemic. In light of the rapidly evolving situation, we anticipate that a number of queries may arise. These may relate to the necessity for confinement, the routes of transmission, the level of contagiousness, the functioning of diagnostic tests, the risk of contracting the virus, whether there has been a high-risk exposure, the decision to quarantine, the treatment of purchases made in a supermarket, and the handling of packaging from online purchases. These are just a few examples

However, the service is not limited to providing technical advice. Additionally, you may utilize the space to communicate any other type of difficulties you wish to discuss at that time. You can simply count on a moment to talk in person with someone who, in addition to their medical expertise, is available to contribute to breaking the isolation that this disease imposes. It is clear that the well-being of patients is not solely dependent on the prescription of drugs or the implementation of health protection and prevention measures. It also depends on patients having access to professionals who can provide support and understanding, whether directly or indirectly.

Our objective is not to interfere with the usual medical services or to replace them in any way. With ONE PLUS ONE, we aim to provide additional support to patients and their families affected by these circumstances, while also contributing to alleviating the significant pressure currently facing the health system. It should also be noted that the service offers support in the form of general listening (mentoring), personal guidance (coaching) and psychological support. These ONE PLUS ONE areas may also be of benefit to healthcare professionals in any field. In light of the challenging work being done by healthcare professionals on the front line of the pandemic, it is important to recognise the value of personal support for them, should they require it.