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Deprecated: Implicit conversion from float 233.6 to int loses precision in C:\Inetpub\vhosts\kidney.de\httpdocs\pget.php on line 534 Clin+Rheumatol 2020 ; 39 (11): 3205-3213 Nephropedia Template TP
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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice: a cross-sectional multinational study #MMPMID32996071
Ziade N; Hmamouchi I; El Kibbi L; Abdulateef N; Halabi H; Abutiban F; Hamdi W; El Rakawi M; Eissa M; Masri B
Clin Rheumatol 2020[Nov]; 39 (11): 3205-3213 PMID32996071show ga
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.
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Clin+Rheumatol 2020 ; 39 (11): 3205-3213
