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Impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable patients with rheumatic disease: results of a worldwide survey.

Impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable patients with rheumatic disease: results of a worldwide survey.

Authors :
Mehta B
Jannat-Khah D
Fontana MA
Moezinia CJ
Mancuso CA
Bass AR
Antao VC
Gibofsky A
Goodman SM
Ibrahim S
Source :
RMD open [RMD Open] 2020 Oct; Vol. 6 (3).
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Objective: There is emerging evidence that COVID-19 disproportionately affects people from racial/ethnic minority and low socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Many physicians across the globe are changing practice patterns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to examine the practice changes among rheumatologists and what they perceive the impact to be on their most vulnerable patients.<br />Methods: We administered an online survey to a convenience sample of rheumatologists worldwide during the initial height of the pandemic (between 8 April and 4 May 2020) via social media and group emails. We surveyed rheumatologists about their opinions regarding patients from low SES and racial/ethnic minority groups in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mainly, what their specific concerns were, including the challenges of medication access; and about specific social factors (health literacy, poverty, food insecurity, access to telehealth video) that may be complicating the management of rheumatologic conditions during this time.<br />Results: 548 rheumatologists responded from 64 countries and shared concerns of food insecurity, low health literacy, poverty and factors that preclude social distancing such as working and dense housing conditions among their patients. Although 82% of rheumatologists had switched to telehealth video, 17% of respondents estimated that about a quarter of their patients did not have access to telehealth video, especially those from below the poverty line. The majority of respondents believed these vulnerable patients, from racial/ethnic minorities and from low SES groups, would do worse, in terms of morbidity and mortality, during the pandemic.<br />Conclusion: In this sample of rheumatologists from 64 countries, there is a clear shift in practice to telehealth video consultations and widespread concern for socially and economically vulnerable patients with rheumatic disease.<br />Competing Interests: Competing interests: SI receives grant funds from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; SMG grants and personal fees from Novartis—consulting/research support, Pfizer—consulting/research support, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders—editorial board and Horizon—research support; DJ-K owns stocks in the following companies: Cytodyn, Walgreens, AstraZeneca. All other authors have declared that no competing interests exist.<br /> (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2056-5933
Volume :
6
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
RMD open
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33011680
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001378