Challenges Faced by the Patients on Dialysis Treatment in COVID-19 Era and the Possible Solutions

Abstract

The current COVID-19 situation has resulted in disruptions in the social, economic and health care system throughout the world. Lock down have been implemented due to need for social distancing practices across the globe. One such challenge is faced by patients of End stage renal disease (ESRD). They have to be physically present in hemodialysis center on regular basis, which means they are more at risk of exposure in a hospital environment. They are in close contact with multiple people for the purpose of dialysis. The pandemic has entailed an enormous burden upon the hospital management and the healthcare workers because of limited staff availability during this pandemic. Aim of this study was to review literature regarding the special aspects and challenges pertaining to those patients who are on regular dialysis treatment.

Fatigue, Anxiety and Depression due to the Challenges faced by Patients undergoing Hemodialysis and their Caregivers during Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Same was reported in a another study that patients undergoing hemodialysis had to face several challenges during Covid-19 pandemic. 55 Caregivers facing emergency situations for their caregivers or additional burden while visiting the hospital and caregiving responsibilities also found as risk factors of higher anxiety and depression. This is also corresponding the results of Sousa H, et al who reports the several challenges faced by the Caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis during Covid-19 pandemic.…”

Cardiology Clinic in COVID-19 Era- Review Article

“…The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) defines telemedicine as the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve a patient's clinical health status. Most of the patients with ailments like Hypertension, chronic heart conditions, and patients with implanted devices are being managed at home with the assistance of digital devices and virtual visits [13][14][15][16][17]. Tele-health clinical services are currently delivered in two, major ways first one is Video conferencing, which is employed for real-time patient-provider consultations, provider-to-provider discussions, and language translation services.…”

“…Second is Remote patient monitoring, during which electronic devices transmit patient health information to health care providers. It has saved patients from undergoing traveling and exposing themselves to the virus and eventually saved their time [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Global Tele-health Exchange is another vital component of tele-health that is constantly helping cardiologists in developing constant communication with their patients and with cardiologists from all over the globe.…”

“…It has a HAYFT (How are you feeling today) card which allows cardiologists to stay a check on their patients regularly. Tele-health provides valuable tools that will improve health outcomes and access to care and make health healthcare delivery systems more efficient and cost-effective [16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

"Challenges to Women’s health during pregnancy in COVID era-Review Article"

“…Others might have a severe presentation of pneumonia and in some cases, respiratory failure caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In more severe forms multiorgan failure; advanced renal failure, myocarditis, and even death can be the outcome [9][10][11]. During the pregnancy period, women undergo significant anatomic, physiologic, and immunologic alterations to support and protect the developing fetus.…”