Chris Bullen1, Jessica McCormack1, Amanda Calder1, Varsha Parag1, Kannan Subramaniam2, Anurita Majumdar3, Pai-Hui Huang4, Ratna Devi5, Luna El Bizri6, Felicity Goodyear-Smith7. 1. National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 2. Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Viatris Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand. 3. Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Pfizer PFE Private Limited (A Viatris Company), Singapore. 4. Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Viatris Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan. 5. International Alliance of Patient's Organizations, IAPO, London, UK. 6. Higher Institute of Public Health, St Joseph's University, Beirut, Lebanon. 7. Professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). AIM: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. METHODS: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. FINDINGS: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. CONCLUSIONS: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.
BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). AIM: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. METHODS: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. FINDINGS: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. CONCLUSIONS: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; general practitioners; noncommunicable diseases; online survey; pharmacists; primary care
Authors: Preeti Manavalan; Deng B Madut; Lisa Wanda; Ally Msasu; Blandina T Mmbaga; Nathan M Thielman; Melissa H Watt Journal: J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) Date: 2022-07-27 Impact factor: 2.885