Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology practice in the Philippines: A cross-sectional study.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Angeles C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8652617 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology practice in the Philippines: A cross-sectional study.
Angeles Camille C Chavez Czarina C Lim Hester H Guevara Bryan B Jamisola Lian L
The Australasian journal of dermatology 20210912 4
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Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on rheumatology practice.MethodA cross-sectional web survey was designed by the members of the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), validated by its scientific committee and disseminated through e-mail and social media. It included close-ended questions about the impact of the pandemic on the rheumatology activities, including outpatient visits and hospitalizations (in percentage, 100% corresponds to complete suspension) and open-ended questions about unmet needs. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of impact. Suggestions were developed to improve the practice.ResultsA total of 858 rheumatologists were included in the analysis (27.3% of registered in ArLAR), 37% were 35-44 years old, 60% were females, and 48% worked in the private sector. The impact of COVID-19 was a decrease of 69% in hospitalizations, 65% in outpatient clinic, 56% in infusion centers, and 43% in income. It was associated with the region (highest in the Gulf), use of telemedicine, impact on income and practice sector (lowest in private). There was a hydroxychloroquine shortage in 47%. Telemedicine was mostly based on traditional telephone contacts and e-mails and reimbursed in 12%. Fifteen rheumatologists (1.8%) were infected and 156 cases of COVID-19 were reported among patients. The top-cited unmet needs in rheumatology practice were access to drugs and a telemedicine platform.ConclusionsThe negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice. Key Points • The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the rheumatology practice, including access to outpatient clinic, hospitalization, and to anchor drugs. • The compromised access to rheumatology care may jeopardize the control of chronic rheumatic diseases and the long-term prognosis. • Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are strongly recommended.
| S-EPMC7524572 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSince the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, routine clinical practices were affected, including pediatric surgery services. We aimed to compare pediatric surgery practices, including the number and types of surgery, either elective or emergency surgeries and outpatient services, before the outbreak and during the COVID-19 pandemic in our institution.Material and methodsWe retrospectively compared pediatric surgery practices, including elective and emergency surgeries, and outpatient services between the previous one-year period (March 2019-February 2020), the last three months of that period (December 2019-February 2020) before the outbreak, and the three months (March-May 2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic in our hospital.ResultsThe frequency of elective surgeries during the pandemic was lower than during the last three months before the outbreak: 61 vs. 18 (~3-fold), 19 vs. 13 (~1.5-fold), 19 vs. 5 (~4-fold), and 30 vs. 15 (~2-fold) for digestive, neonate, urology and oncology cases, respectively. No laparoscopic procedures were performed during the pandemic compared with the one-year period before the outbreak (0 vs. 16 cases). The frequency of all emergency pediatric procedures before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar (29 vs. 20 cases, respectively). Moreover, a declining trend was also clearly apparent in the outpatient services during the pandemic compared with before the outbreak, both in the new and the established patients.ConclusionsThe pediatric surgery practices in our institution have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including elective and outpatient services. This setback needs a comprehensive strategy to avoid morbidity from the neglected elective surgeries during the pandemic, including the proper comparison between the real risk of COVID-19 cross-infection and the benefits of elective procedures.
| S-EPMC7491416 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected patient care in general. We aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on pediatric rheumatology practice.MethodsAn online survey including 22 questions was created by the representatives of the Emerging RheumatoloGists and rEsearchers (EMERGE) group of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS) on SurveyMonkey. The descriptive analysis of the responses was performed on SurveyMonkey.ResultsOverall, 469 pediatric rheumatologists (F/M: 2.9) from 70 countries completed the survey. The practice of drug prescription is not affected by the pandemic, according to 65.3 % of the respondents, while 24.3 % and 16.5 % are prescribing biologic drugs and corticosteroids less often, respectively. Over 40 % of the respondents have seen an increased number of patients with vasculitis or chilblains during the pandemic. One-third of the respondents stated no adjustments in their clinical practice after 2.5 years of COVID-19 pandemic. The rest indicated implementing various changes, with an emphasis on incorporating telemedicine. Telemedicine constitutes ≥10 % of the clinical practice for one-third of the participants. Nonetheless, 35.5 % agree that there are still delays in patient care due to the pandemic. However, most (∼90 %) think our practice is returning to the pre-pandemic routine.ConclusionThe findings of our study indicate a significant alteration in pediatric rheumatology practice due to the pandemic. This includes increased caution when prescribing anti-rheumatic drugs, a transition towards telemedicine utilization, delays in routine care, and a rise in COVID-19-related inflammatory conditions. It is imperative to address these aspects in order to improve patient care in pediatric rheumatology.
| S-EPMC11089463 | biostudies-literature
Project description:AimTo evaluate mothers' satisfaction with childbirth experience in a cohort of women who delivered during COVID pandemia and to compare them to a pre-COVID cohort.DesignWe performed a cross-sectional study in a low-risk Maternity Unit.MethodsWomen who delivered during COVID-19 pandemic were compared to a pre-COVID cohort recruited in 2018 in the same setting. Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (I-BSS-R) was used.ResultsThree hundred and seventy-seven women were included (277 pre-COVID and 100 during COVID pandemic). No differences in terms of satisfaction at birth were reported (I-BSS-R mean 27.0, SD 5.3 versus mean 27.6, SD 6.1, p 0.34), despite an increased rate of active intrapartum interventions. Intrapartum variables that significantly reduced satisfaction were the same in the two groups: epidural analgesia (p < .0001 in both groups), prolonged active phases (p < .0001 in both), oxytocin administration (p < .0001 in both) and operative delivery (p 0.0009 versus p 0.0019).
| S-EPMC8242706 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 were announced in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread in most countries. After one year of restrictive measures applied by governments, it is unclear how this prolonged social distancing has affected the mental health of individuals in Libya. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the levels of perceived stress, depression, sleep disturbance, and self-efficacy associated with the pandemic in Libya and their association with the demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 10 and November 10, 2020 in 21 cities in Libya using an online survey. The survey collected socio-demographic variables and other important psychological variables using valid scales: namely, the Perceived Stress scale, the PROMIS Depression scale, the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance scale, and self-efficacy 6-item scale. Additionally, data were collected regarding eating and smoking habits, housing and living situations, and the preparedness of the public to manage the upcoming waves of the pandemic. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 746 times, and a total of 683 completed questionnaires were analyzed (response rate of 91.6%), with ages ranging from 18 to 94 years (Mean ± SD = 27.09 ± 10.57). Among the respondents, 58.4% were females and 77% were from the age group 18-29 years. The perceived stress, depression, and sleep disturbance symptoms were high in overall population. For stress, 52.7 and 17.1% of respondents reported moderate and high stress, and for sleep quality 28.8 and 8.1% reported moderate and high sleep disturbance, respectively. For depression, the overall median score was 20 (out of 40). The perceived stress, depression, and sleep disturbance were more prevalent among females and the younger age groups (18-29 years old). The overall self-efficacy median total score was 6.67 (out of 10), with a significantly higher median total score for males than females (7 vs. 6.33, p = 0.001). About 14.5% of the respondents were regular cigarette smokers, and most of them (79.8%) described their smoking habits during the previous month as more than typical. In addition, the reported eating habits of almost half of the respondents (43%) had changed, with about one-third (29.6%) reporting that their eating habits had become less healthy during the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest increased levels of stress, depression, and sleep disturbances as well as COVID-19-related fear during the pandemic, especially among young females. This alarming finding urgently calls for safe and low-barrier interventions to help mentally burdened individuals. This study makes a significant contribution in providing essential data on the psychological and social impacts on the Libyan population due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| S-EPMC8416112 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPrompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, remuneration was introduced for Australian general practice telehealth consultations. General practitioner (GP) trainees' telehealth use is of clinical, educational, and policy importance. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associations of telehealth versus face-to-face consultations amongst Australian GP registrars (vocational GP trainees).MethodsCross-sectional analysis of data from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study, from 2020 to 2021 (three 6-month terms), including registrars in 3 of Australia's 9 Regional Training Organisations. In ReCEnT, GP registrars record details of 60 consecutive consultations, 6 monthly. The primary analysis used univariate and multivariable logistic regression, with outcome of whether the consultation was conducted via telehealth (phone and videoconference) or face-to-face.Results1,168 registrars recorded details of 102,286 consultations, of which 21.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.1%-21.6%) were conducted via telehealth. Statistically significant associations of a telehealth consultation included shorter consultation duration (odds ratio [OR] 0.93, 95% CI: 0.93-0.94; and mean 12.9 versus 18.7 min); fewer problems addressed per consultation (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.97); being less likely to seek assistance from a supervisor (OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.96) while being more likely to generate learning goals (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37); and being more likely to arrange a follow-up consultation (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.35).ConclusionsThat telehealth consultations were shorter, with higher rates of follow-up, has GP workforce/workload implications. That telehealth consultations were less likely to involve in-consultation supervisor support, but more likely to generate learning goals, has educational implications.
| S-EPMC10745257 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is a major challenge to healthcare services in the world. It has negatively impacted surgical practice, and health workers. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical practice in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq.MethodsAn online cross-sectional study using an online survey was performed between 13 April to 29 April, 2020 in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq. An online cross-sectional study using an online survey was performed between 13 April to 29 April, 2020 in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq. A total of 241 surgeons, aged 28-70 years (mean range 22.2 ± 7.9 SD), were recruited to this study. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgeons' practices. Participants completed a self-developed online questionnaire.ResultsThe majority of participants (44.39%) were general surgeons, followed by urologists (17.01%). Approximately 82.57% of surgeons performed surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic and 60.31% undertook emergency surgeries only. There was no significant difference between men and women (P = 0.41) and different age groups (P = 0.08). Only 28.22% of surgeons had access to full personal protective equipment (PPE), and 41.18% believed that wearing PPEs severely affected their skills. Results also found that surgeons aged between 28 and 34 years were more pledged to the use of PPEs, than other age groups (P = 0.001). The use of PPEs during surgeries was significantly higher in the Sulaymaniyah province (P = 0.001). The surgical services were also severely impacted in the Sulaymaniyah province than in the other provinces (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic severely affected surgical practice in the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the Sulaymaniyah province. Males, and young surgeons showed a higher commitment level for using PPE. Additional training and precautions are needed to increase awareness about COVID-19 among surgeons, and the importance of using PPE during surgery.
| S-EPMC7609234 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo investigate the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on Malaysian families.DesignA cross-sectional study performed using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed through social media, email and the Department of Social Welfare.SettingMalaysian families were invited to answer the questionnaires. The sampling was performed between 12 May 2020 and 9 June 2020.InterventionThe psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES). The mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) 21.Main outcome measure(1) Psychological impact on Malaysian families. (2) Prevalence of mental health status of Malaysian families during COVID-19 pandemic.ResultA total of 409 Malaysian families have responded (409 parents and 348 children), 154 respondents (38%) reported high psychological impact (score 14) for psychological construct and 189 respondents (46%) reported high psychological impact (score 6) for behavioural construct. A significantly higher proportion of respondents with not permanent employment status of the family lead reported high psychological impact. The prevalence of anxiety reported from family respondents was 23%. Forty-five children answered the DASS-21 questionnaire; 28.5% reported anxiety, 31.4% reported depression and 13.3% reported stress. The job security status of the family lead was found to be the predictive factor for the mean total IES-R score (psychological construct) and ethnicity for mean total CRIES-8 and CRIES-13.ConclusionRates of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic were high. Findings suggest that urgent measures to ensure job security among Malaysian families are important to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial and mental health outcomes.
| S-EPMC8359868 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAs the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, physicians must be equipped with adequate knowledge, skills on the prevention measures, and confidence in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients. Therefore, it is of great interest to assess the knowledge and practices of Physicians to identify existing gaps and improve occupational safety and viral surveillance.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between 28th March and 11th April 2020. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, practice, physicians fear towards COVID-19 as well as their perceptions regarding actions/policies implemented by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and their health care facilities. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the factors associated with good knowledge of COVID-19 and good practice toward its prevention. Adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were reported.ResultsOur survey revealed that the majority of Lebanese physicians had good knowledge about the disease (89.5%) while approximately half of the respondents adopted good preventive practices (49.7%). The odds of having good knowledge was 2.16 times higher among physicians aged 40 and above (adjusted OR = 2.16 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.08 to 4.34) compared to their counterparts aged less than 40 years old. Our results also showed that the odds of good practice was 2 times higher among frontline compared to the second line workers (adjusted OR = 2.01 with 95% CI of 1.21 to 3.34). Physicians with an experience of 10 years and above were 3.35 times more likely to have good practice compared to their counterparts (adjusted OR = 3.35 with 95% CI of 1.60 to 7.02). Finally, participants with good knowledge of COVID-19 were 2.04 times more likely to have a good practice (OR = 2.04 with 95% CI of 1.01 to 4.12).ConclusionLebanese physicians revealed a good level of knowledge; however, they had limited comprehension of the precautionary measures that protect them from this virus. Our findings have important implications for the development of strategies suitable for improving the level of practice among physicians and enhance prevention programs.
| S-EPMC7523262 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and study aims Gastrointestinal endoscopy, being an aerosol-generating procedure, has the potential to transmit Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the current pandemic. Adequate knowledge is the key to prevention. A survey, perhaps the first, was conducted among Indian endoscopists to assess the impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 on gastroinestinal endoscopy practice in the country. Methods From April 24 to 28, 2020, an electronic survey (using Google Form) was conducted with 23 questions (single or multiple answers) on: (1) endoscopy practice before the pandemic; (2) knowledge about COVID-19; and (3) its impact on endoscopy practice. Results Responses were received from 375 of 1205 (31.1 %) endoscopists. Most (35.7 %) were young (31-40 years), practicing in corporate multi-speciality hospitals (44.6 %) or independent practice set-up (17.7 %) in metropolitan cities (55.6 %) and urban areas (42.3 %). In most units (75.4 %), fewer than 10 % of procedures performed are endoscopies, as compared to before the pandemic. A reduction in volume of endoscopy related to restriction of the routine procedures by the latest guideline was reported by 86.9 % of respondents. Most are using N95 masks (74.7 %) and/or complete personal protective equipment (PPE, 49.2 %) during endoscopic procedures . Only 18.3 % of respondents had access to negative pressure rooms either within (5.4 %) or outside (12.9 %) the usual endoscopy suite. Conclusion Endoscopy units in India are performing fewer than 10 % of their usual volumes due to current restrictions. Resources to follow current international guidelines, including use of negative pressure rooms and PPE, are limited. Alternate measures are needed to keep up the services.
| S-EPMC7302931 | biostudies-literature