174,000 pulse oximeters have already been returned directly to Poczta Polska branches by recovered patients.
In February of this year, Poczta Polska, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, introduced an additional option for returning pulse oximeters – directly to a selected post office. In the month and a half since the introduction of the new method, over 174,000 people have used it (or 20% of all recovered patients returning pulse oximeters), and PP offices are seeing increased interest in this method of returning monitoring devices. To date, Poczta Polska couriers have delivered a total of nearly 330,000 pulse oximeters.
It's worth noting that the distribution of pulse oximeters by Poczta Polska is part of the Home Medical Care (DOM) program implemented by the Ministry of Health. The DOM program is a system for remote monitoring of parameters of individuals infected with COVID-19 whose health allows for home isolation. It enables the rapid detection of patients who, due to a deterioration in their health, should be referred for hospital treatment. As part of the diagnostic process, saturation levels, or the saturation of arterial blood with oxygen, are monitored. Patients enrolled in the DOM Contact Center's data transmission and monitoring system receive pulse oximeters through deliveries handled by Poczta Polska.
Since November 2020, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Polish Post has been delivering and returning pulse oximeters exclusively via courier. Since February 2021, patients have also had the option of returning monitoring devices directly to one of 4,600 Polish Post offices, offices, and branches (excluding postal agencies).
As the latest data shows, recovered people are still more likely to choose to collect their pulse oximeters by courier, but the number of devices delivered directly to Poczta Polska branches is growing week by week and now accounts for 20% of all returns.
" We prioritize patient convenience, which is why we've offered two possible ways to return monitoring devices: by courier and in person. Since February of this year, we've seen increasing interest in returning pulse oximeters directly to our facilities, " says Andrzej Bodziony, Vice President of Poczta Polska. " After completing their isolation, those who have recovered return the devices to us on their own by visiting our facilities. We're pleased that they're following our recommendations and returning them properly packaged in the return envelope we delivered them with the pulse oximeter. Safe collection, regardless of the method chosen by the patient, is crucial to us, " adds Andrzej Bodziony.
So far, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Poczta Polska has delivered nearly 330,000 pulse oximeters.