Marlou Mizee1,2, Laura A Schaap2,3, Emiel O Hoogendijk1,2, Natasja M van Schoor4,5. 1. Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 4. Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. nm.vanschoor@amsterdamumc.nl. 5. Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. nm.vanschoor@amsterdamumc.nl.
Abstract
AIMS: The aim of the current study was to compare cancellations or postponement of medical care among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2021 and 2020. METHODS: Data of respondents aged ≥ 62 years were used from the longitudinal aging study Amsterdam (LASA), collected in 2020 and 2021, directly after the main COVID-19 waves in the Netherlands. A questionnaire assessed cancellations of medical care and postponed help-seeking behavior. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, cancellations declined from 35% in 2020 (sample n = 1128) to 17% in 2021 (sample n = 1020). Healthcare-initiated cancellations declined from 29 to 8%. Respondent-initiated cancellations declined from 12 to 7%. Postponed help-seeking remained around 8%. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, less cancellations were reported compared to just after the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, while postponed help-seeking remained the same. It is important to investigate how cancellations and postponed help-seeking can be prevented in future pandemics.
AIMS: The aim of the current study was to compare cancellations or postponement of medical care among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2021 and 2020. METHODS: Data of respondents aged ≥ 62 years were used from the longitudinal aging study Amsterdam (LASA), collected in 2020 and 2021, directly after the main COVID-19 waves in the Netherlands. A questionnaire assessed cancellations of medical care and postponed help-seeking behavior. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, cancellations declined from 35% in 2020 (sample n = 1128) to 17% in 2021 (sample n = 1020). Healthcare-initiated cancellations declined from 29 to 8%. Respondent-initiated cancellations declined from 12 to 7%. Postponed help-seeking remained around 8%. CONCLUSIONS: In 2021, less cancellations were reported compared to just after the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, while postponed help-seeking remained the same. It is important to investigate how cancellations and postponed help-seeking can be prevented in future pandemics.
Authors: Samuel Yeung Shan Wong; Dexing Zhang; Regina Wing Shan Sit; Benjamin Hon Kei Yip; Roger Yat-Nork Chung; Carmen Ka Man Wong; Dicken Cheong Chun Chan; Wen Sun; Kin On Kwok; Stewart W Mercer Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2020-10-29 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Emiel O Hoogendijk; Marleen H L van der Horst; Jan Poppelaars; Majogé van Vliet; Martijn Huisman Journal: Aging Clin Exp Res Date: 2021-03-15 Impact factor: 3.636
Authors: Noah A Schuster; Sascha de Breij; Laura A Schaap; Natasja M van Schoor; Mike J L Peters; Renate T de Jongh; Martijn Huisman; Emiel O Hoogendijk Journal: Eur Geriatr Med Date: 2021-05-28 Impact factor: 3.269