2023 SAEMF Emerging Infectious Disease and Preparedness Grant - $100,000

"Assessment of a Novel Model of Remote Diagnosis and Treatment of Highly Contagious Infectious Diseases"


Developing models of care that improve adoption of lifesaving therapy while reducing community transmission of infectious diseases is a crucial tool in the fight against COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases. The information learned in this project will inform the creation of a novel model of care for emerging infectious diseases that combines expert physician counseling, remote diagnosis, and treatment, while preventing potentially contagious patients from exposing others. Creating alternative pathways for high quality care from emergency providers will facilitate preparedness for future outbreaks.

Recipient

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    Efrat R. Kean, MD

    Thomas Jefferson University

    "Assessment of a Novel Model of Remote Diagnosis and Treatment of Highly Contagious Infectious Diseases"

    Dr. Kean is a clinical assistant professor and director of clinical trials in the emergency department at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed her medical school training at the University of Virginia and her emergency medicine residency at Temple University. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kean has been engaged in numerous projects related to pandemic response, including spearheading the development of surge plans in the emergency department, building partnerships with Philadelphia’s public schools to increase children’s access to COVID-19 vaccines, and providing support for long-term care facilities experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks as head of Rapid Response Teams for Jefferson’s RRHCP team. She has also served as principal investigator and co-investigator on several COVID-19 related research grants.