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. 2021 Jun 14:22:e30.
doi: 10.1017/S146342362100030X.

The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

Chris Bullen  1 , Jessica McCormack  1 , Amanda Calder  1 , Varsha Parag  1 , Kannan Subramaniam  2 , Anurita Majumdar  3 , Pai-Hui Huang  4 , Ratna Devi  5 , Luna El Bizri  6 , Felicity Goodyear-Smith  7
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The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

Chris Bullen et al. Prim Health Care Res Dev. .

Abstract

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs).

Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies.

Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic.

Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients.

Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; general practitioners; noncommunicable diseases; online survey; pharmacists; primary care.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
FLHCP perceived change in the number of patients seeking care relating to NCDs or mental health.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
FLHCP perceptions of COVID-19-related factors influencing care of patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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