The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice: a cross-sectional multinational study.
Clin Rheumatol
; 39(11): 3205-3213, 2020 Nov.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-808110
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on rheumatology practice.METHOD:
A cross-sectional web survey was designed by the members of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), validated by its scientific committee and disseminated through e-mail and social media. It included close-ended questions about the impact of the pandemic on the rheumatology activities, including outpatient visits and hospitalizations (in percentage, 100% corresponds to complete suspension) and open-ended questions about unmet needs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of impact. Suggestions were developed to improve the practice.RESULTS:
A total of 858 rheumatologists were included in the analysis (27.3% of registered in ArLAR), 37% were 35-44 years old, 60% were females, and 48% worked in the private sector. The impact of COVID-19 was a decrease of 69% in hospitalizations, 65% in outpatient clinic, 56% in infusion centers, and 43% in income. It was associated with the region (highest in the Gulf), use of telemedicine, impact on income and practice sector (lowest in private). There was a hydroxychloroquine shortage in 47%. Telemedicine was mostly based on traditional telephone contacts and e-mails and reimbursed in 12%. Fifteen rheumatologists (1.8%) were infected and 156 cases of COVID-19 were reported among patients. The top-cited unmet needs in rheumatology practice were access to drugs and a telemedicine platform.CONCLUSIONS:
The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice. Key Points ⢠The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the rheumatology practice, including access to outpatient clinic, hospitalization, and to anchor drugs. ⢠The compromised access to rheumatology care may jeopardize the control of chronic rheumatic diseases and the long-term prognosis. ⢠Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are strongly recommended.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Rheumatology
/
Telemedicine
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Delivery of Health Care
/
Pandemics
/
Ambulatory Care
/
Hospitalization
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
English
Journal:
Clin Rheumatol
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S10067-020-05428-2
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