ABSTRACT
Background/Aims Over the last 12 months (September 2020-21), we have been conducting a clinical trial with two biologic agents comparing pain outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 26). Within the trial, we investigated how participants with RA taking immunosuppressive medication felt about their care and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such information is important to guide healthcare providers. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted either face-to-face or virtually with participants who had recently been recruited to the Biologics for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain (BIORA-PAIN) study and attended a South West London hospital. Participants had a DAS-28-CRP score of above 5.1 and were just starting on biological treatment. Seven interviews were conducted between April-September 2021, lasting between 23-60 minutes during which participants were asked how they managed their RA during the pandemic. All the responding participants were female, aged between 27-74 (mean 50.3 years), with a mixture of employment status and some living alone or with others. Interviews were recorded then transcribed verbatim and an interim thematic analysis was conducted. Results Four main themes were identified: the effect of lockdown;care of self;medical care;and support. Participants reported weight gain during lockdown due to being more sedentary and feeling less able to exercise, which increased stiffness. Despite reporting no official advice from doctors regarding shielding, most participants felt more vulnerable due to awareness of immunosuppression, but protective measures and vaccine uptake alleviated fears. Many sought advice from online resources, such as Versus Arthritis, and support groups which, as well as comfort, provided information enabling some participants to ask doctors specific questions about their care and medications. Most participants were wary of misinformation and chose to use trusted websites such as NHS and gov.uk or sources advised by doctors. There were varied reports of participants’ experiences of their care: most participants felt that their care was largely unaffected by the pandemic, with all participants feeling able to obtain current medication. However, some felt the COVID-19 restrictions slowed the progress of their care and felt unsupported whilst suffering worsening symptoms. Face-to-face appointments were preferred over telephone appointments, as participants felt doctors were unable to assess their pain and joints via phone call. Participants who lived alone suffered more mentally. Conclusion Participants in this study were wary of coronavirus in relation to their disease and many chose to shield whilst reporting no shielding guidance. Many participants looked for reliable sources to research their care and treatment, which have been increased by feeling less able to contact clinicians during the pandemic. Participants felt that routine treatment was possible via telephone but changes in their condition required face-to-face appointments. Disclosure A. Blundell: None. G. Mein: None. S. Koushesh: None. A. Omoruyi: None. A. Harrison: None. P. Sedgwick: None. N. Sofat: None.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: As the world continues to fight successive waves of COVID-19 variants, we have seen worldwide infections surpass 100 million. London, UK, has been severely affected throughout the pandemic, and the resulting impact on the NHS has been profound. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on theatre productivity across London's four major trauma centres (MTCs), and to assess how the changes to normal protocols and working patterns impacted trauma theatre efficiency. METHODS: This was a collaborative study across London's MTCs. A two-month period was selected from 5 March to 5 May 2020. The same two-month period in 2019 was used to provide baseline data for comparison. Demographic information was collected, as well as surgical speciality, procedure, time to surgery, type of anaesthesia, and various time points throughout the patient journey to theatre. RESULTS: In total, 1,243 theatre visits were analyzed as part of the study. Of these, 834 patients presented in 2019 and 409 in 2020. Fewer open reduction and internal fixations were performed in 2020 (33.5% vs 38.2%), and there was an increase in the number of orthoplastic cases in 2020 (8.3% vs 2.2%), both statistically significant results (p < 0.000). There was a statistically significant increase in median time from 2019 to 2020, between sending for a patient and their arrival to the anaesthetic room (29 vs 35 minutes; p = 0.000). Median time between arrival in the anaesthetic room and commencement of anaesthetic increased (7 to 9 minutes; p = 0.104). CONCLUSION: Changes in working practices necessitated by COVID-19 led to modest delays to all aspects of theatre use, and consequently theatre efficiency. However, the reality is that the major concerns of impact of service did not occur to the levels that were expected. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):886-892.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: The first death in the UK caused by COVID-19 occurred on 5 March 2020. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of major trauma and orthopaedic patients admitted in the early COVID-19 era. METHODS: A prospective trauma registry was reviewed at a Level 1 Major Trauma Centre. We divided patients into Group A, 40 days prior to 5 March 2020, and into Group B, 40 days after. RESULTS: A total of 657 consecutive trauma and orthopaedic patients were identified with a mean age of 55 years (8 to 98; standard deviation (SD) 22.52) and 393 (59.8%) were males. In all, 344 (approximately 50%) of admissions were major trauma. Group A had 421 patients, decreasing to 236 patients in Group B (36%). Mechanism of injury (MOI) was commonly a fall in 351 (52.4%) patients, but road traffic accidents (RTAs) increased from 56 (13.3%) in group A to 51 (21.6%) in group B (p = 0.030). ICU admissions decreased from 26 (6.2%) in group A to 5 (2.1%) in group B. Overall, 39 patients tested positive for COVID-19 with mean age of 73 years (28 to 98; SD 17.99) and 22 (56.4%) males. Common symptoms were dyspnoea, dry cough, and pyrexia. Of these patients, 27 (69.2%) were nosocomial infections and two (5.1%) of these patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission with 8/39 mortality (20.5%). Of the patients who died, 50% were older and had underlying comorbidities (hypertension and cardiovascular disease, dementia, arthritis). CONCLUSION: Trauma admissions decreased in the lockdown phase with an increased incidence of RTAs. Nosocomial infection was common in 27 (69.2%) of those with COVID-19. Symptoms and comorbidities were consistent with previous reports with noted inclusion of dementia and arthritis. The mortality rate of trauma and COVID-19 was 20.5%, mainly in octogenarians, and COVID-19 surgical mortality was 15.4%.Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:330-338.