scholarly journals Healthcare access and attitudes towards telehealth during the early phase of the COVID ‐19 pandemic among an Australian cohort with inflammatory arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 788-792
Author(s):  
Adam Rischin ◽  
David Liew ◽  
Rachel Black ◽  
Ashley Fletcher ◽  
Rachelle Buchbinder ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Caton ◽  
Hema Chaplin ◽  
Lewis Carpenter ◽  
Melissa Sweeney ◽  
Hsiu Yen Tung ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients have been identified as at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is likely that lockdown restrictions (enforced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) and subsequent changes made to healthcare provision could impact patients’ abilities to effectively manage their condition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with IA. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IA patients in June-July 2020, with nine follow-up interviews in November 2020. Interview schedules were developed with a Patient Research Partner and explored participants’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted via telephone and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants were aged between 24 and 79 years (mean = 50.1, SD = 15.8), largely female (71%) and White British (86%). Four initial themes were identified: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence, (2) Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, (3) Impact of COVID-19 on diet, and (4) Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access and delivery. Subthemes focused on positive and negative changes made to these areas, as well as behaviours which remained consistent. Follow-up interviews highlighted differences in participants’ experiences during the two lockdown periods. Conclusion COVID-19 has affected patients’ abilities to manage their IA. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on patient self-management and healthcare access to ensure that adequate understanding and support is available to patients who may have inadequate disease control as a result.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-116
Author(s):  
Valarie B. Fleming ◽  
Joyce L. Harris

Across the breadth of acquired neurogenic communication disorders, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may go undetected, underreported, and untreated. In addition to stigma and distrust of healthcare systems, other barriers contribute to decreased identification, healthcare access, and service utilization for Hispanic and African American adults with MCI. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have significant roles in prevention, education, management, and support of older adults, the population must susceptible to MCI.


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