Article Text
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have impacted patient management on a global level. However, the degree of impact on patient management and prescribing strategy in the fields of rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology is unclear.
Objectives: Assess the impact of COVID-19 on patient management and prescribing strategy across the EU and US, as described by rheumatologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists.
Methods: Data were drawn from physician surveys in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and US between July and December 2020. Physicians completed an online or telephone survey assessing how COVID-19 has impacted type and frequency of consultations; choice and prescription of medication.
Results: 847 physicians took part; 355 rheumatologists, 200 dermatologists (Germany, Spain, UK, and US only), and 282 gastroenterologists. As a result of COVID-19, most physicians stated they have moved at least some patients to video or telephone consultations (70% rheumatologists; 55% dermatologists; 60% gastroenterologists) and reduced overall frequency of consultations with patients (59% rheumatologists; 64% dermatologists; 51% gastroenterologists) (Table 1).
35% of rheumatologists, 22% of dermatologists, and 14% of gastroenterologists described COVID-19 as changing the way they choose and prescribe medication, with differences observed between countries (Figure 1). Of those who stated they have made medication changes, rheumatologists stated changing medication to self-administration (62%) and not starting new patients on an advanced therapy (biologic DMARD or targeted synthetic DMARD) (58%) as most frequent. Dermatologists stated changes include changing treatment to more COVID-appropriate treatment (71%) and prescribing repeat prescriptions more regularly without consultation (56%). Gastroenterologists stated changes include changing medication to self-administration (55%) and prescribing a longer course of medication (48%).
Comparing across countries, for all specialties, the greatest changes were observed in the UK followed by Spain, with least changes in Germany and Italy.
Conclusion: There have been changes in the process of how healthcare is delivered, although treatment prescription was impacted to a lesser extent than consultation type and frequency. This varies across geographies, which may be due to differences in reported prevalence of COVID-19. Differences are also observed across specialities, which may be due to guidance received from specialty bodies. It is unknown what the long-term impact of changes in the management of patients due to COVID-19 will be on patient outcomes, satisfaction, engagement and adherence, and further research is needed.
Disclosure of Interests: None declared.