Impact of Covid-19 on clinical care and lived experience of systemic sclerosis: An international survey from EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe.
J Scleroderma Relat Disord
; 6(2): 133-138, 2021 Jun.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1136196
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Outcomes related to Covid-19 in systemic sclerosis patients could be influenced by internal organ involvement and/or immunosuppressive treatment, leading to efforts to shield patients from Covid-19 transmission. We examined the impact of Covid-19 on the lived experience of systemic sclerosis with regards to other aspects of daily living including occupation and emotional well-being.Method:
Individuals with systemic sclerosis or relatives/carers participated in an online survey, disseminated through international patient associations and social media pages, designed to examine the impact of Covid-19 on living with a rare disease.Results:
Responses from 121 individuals (98% were patients with systemic sclerosis) from 14 countries were evaluable. Covid-19 was considered a probable/definite personal threat (93%) or threat for the individual they care for (100%). Approximately two-thirds of responders reported either cancellation or postponement/delay to appointments, diagnostic tests, medical therapies at home (e.g. infusions), surgery or transplant, psychiatry follow-up or rehabilitation services. Twenty-six percent reported at least one systemic sclerosis medicine/treatment had been unavailable, and 6% had to either stop taking usual medications or use an alternative. Most reported online consultations/telemedicine via phone (88%) and online (96%) as being 'fairly' or 'very' useful. Respondents reported tensions among family members (45%) and difficulty overcoming problems (48%). Restrictions on movement left around two-thirds feeling isolated (61%), unhappy and/or depressed (64%), although the majority (85%) reported a strengthening of the family unit.Conclusion:
Covid-19 has resulted in significant impact on the clinical-care and emotional well-being of systemic sclerosis patients. Changes to clinical care delivery have been well-received by patients including telemedicine consultations.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
J Scleroderma Relat Disord
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
2397198321999927
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