Abrupt change to telephone follow‐up clinics in a regional rheumatology service during <scp>COVID</scp>‐19: analysis of treatment decisions

Mair, Jonathan; Woolley, Michelle; Grainger, Rebecca

doi:10.1111/imj.15336

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 17 publications

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“…There were, however, negative impacts on patient care delivery at times during the pandemic. Data from 2 retrospective studies involving medical record review in single centers with telephone-based care during the initial lockdowns of 2020 reported no decrease in service volumes but lower frequency of change in rheumatic disease medications (40,41). Diagnosis was more often deferred, and high rates of earlier than expected follow-up appointments were also noted (10).…”

Section: Australia and New Zealandmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Perspective on the Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Rheumatology and Health Equity

Hsieh

Dey

Grainger

et al. 2023

Arthritis Care & Research

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Although the public health emergency associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic has ended, challenges remain, especially for individuals with rheumatic diseases. We aimed to assess the historical and ongoing effects of COVID‐19 on individuals with rheumatic diseases and rheumatology practices globally, with specific attention to vulnerable communities and lessons learned. We reviewed literature from several countries and regions, including Africa, Australia and New Zealand, China, Europe, Latin America, and the US. In this review, we summarize literature that not only examines the impact of the pandemic on individuals with rheumatic diseases, but also research that reports the lasting changes to rheumatology patient care and practice, and health service use. Across countries, challenges faced by individuals with rheumatic diseases during the pandemic included disruptions in health care and medication supply shortages. These challenges were associated with worse disease and mental health outcomes in some studies, particularly among those who had social vulnerabilities defined by socioeconomic, race, or rurality. Moreover, rheumatology practice was impacted in all regions, with the uptake of telemedicine and changes in health care utilization. While many regions developed rapid guidelines to disseminate scientific information, misinformation and disinformation remained widespread. Finally, vaccine uptake among individuals with rheumatic diseases has been uneven across the world. As the acute phase of the pandemic wanes, ongoing efforts are needed to improve health care access, stabilize rheumatology drug supplies, improve public health communication, and implement evidence‐based vaccination practices to reduce COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality among individuals with rheumatic diseases.

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Section: Australia and New Zealandmentioning

confidence: 99%