Patient Perspectives on the Effect of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: An International Patient Survey.
J Clin Rheumatol
; 27(1): 31-33, 2021 Jan 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33347032
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its subsequent effects on health care systems have significantly impacted the management of chronic rheumatic diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc).METHODS:
In this context, a 25-item anonymized e-survey was posted on the Twitter and Facebook e-groups and pages of various scleroderma organizations and patient communities to assess the problems faced by patients with SSc during the pandemic, with a focus on effects on the disease, drug procurance, continuity of medical care, and prevalent fears among patients.RESULTS:
Of the 291 participants (median age of 55 [43.5-63] years, 93.8% females), limited systemic sclerosis was the most common diagnosis (42.3%). Many patients experienced problems attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic (119, 40.9%), of which 46 (38.7%) required an increase in medicines, and 12 (10.1%) of these needed hospitalizations for disease-related complications. More than one-third (36.4%) were on glucocorticoids or had underlying cardiovascular risks (39%) that would predispose them to severe COVID-19.A significant proportion (38.1%) faced hurdles in procuring medicines or experienced disruption in physiotherapy sessions (24.7%). One-quarter (24.1%) felt it was difficult to contact their specialist, whereas another 7.2% were unable to do so. Contracting COVID-19 was the most prevalent fear (71.5%), followed by infection in the family (61.9%), and a flare of the disease (45.4%). Most respondents preferred teleconsultations (55.7%) over hospital visits in the pandemic period.CONCLUSION:
The results of the patient survey suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many patients with SSc and may translate to poorer outcomes in this population in the postpandemic period.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Esclerodermia Sistémica
/
COVID-19
/
Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Clin Rheumatol
Asunto de la revista:
FISIOLOGIA
/
ORTOPEDIA
/
REUMATOLOGIA
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article