The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis.
BMC Rheumatol
; 5(1): 58, 2021 Oct 18.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1666685
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients have been identified as at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is likely that lockdown restrictions (enforced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) and subsequent changes made to healthcare provision could impact patients' abilities to effectively manage their condition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with IA.METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IA patients in June-July 2020, with nine follow-up interviews in November 2020. Interview schedules were developed with a Patient Research Partner and explored participants' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted via telephone and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Participants were aged between 24 and 79 years (mean = 50.1, SD = 15.8), largely female (71%) and White British (86%). Four initial themes were identified (1) Impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence, (2) Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, (3) Impact of COVID-19 on diet, and (4) Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access and delivery. Subthemes focused on positive and negative changes made to these areas, as well as behaviours which remained consistent. Follow-up interviews highlighted differences in participants' experiences during the two lockdown periods.CONCLUSION:
COVID-19 has affected patients' abilities to manage their IA. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on patient self-management and healthcare access to ensure that adequate understanding and support is available to patients who may have inadequate disease control as a result.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Language:
English
Journal:
BMC Rheumatol
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S41927-021-00231-1
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