COVID-19 Pandemic and Patients with Rare Inherited Metabolic Disorders and Rare Autoinflammatory Diseases—Organizational Challenges from the Point of View of Healthcare Providers

COVID-19 pandemic is an organisational challenge for both healthcare providers and patients. People with rare inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) and rare autoinflammatory diseases (AD) are vulnerable patients whose well-being is deeply connected with regular follow-ups. This study aimed to assess h...

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Autores principales: Ewa Tobór-Świętek, Jolanta Sykut-Cegielska, Mirosław Bik-Multanowski, Mieczysław Walczak, Dariusz Rokicki, Łukasz Kałużny, Joanna Wierzba, Małgorzata Pac, Karina Jahnz-Różyk, Ewa Więsik-Szewczyk, Beata Kieć-Wilk
Formato: article
Lenguaje:EN
Publicado: MDPI AG 2021
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Acceso en línea:https://doaj.org/article/a1e686bda785402686c913916bb25a8a
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Sumario:COVID-19 pandemic is an organisational challenge for both healthcare providers and patients. People with rare inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) and rare autoinflammatory diseases (AD) are vulnerable patients whose well-being is deeply connected with regular follow-ups. This study aimed to assess how e one year of coronavirus pandemic has impacted the treatment of patients with IMD and AD in Poland. Surveys were distributed to all healthcare providers that coordinate the treatment of IMD and AD patients. Thirty-two responders (55%) answered the survey. They provide care to 1726 patients with IMD/AD, including 246 patients on dedicated treatment. In 35% of units, the regular appointments were disrupted, primarily because of patient infection. In 18 hospitals, remote visits were implemented, but only 66.6% of patients used this form of consultation. In 14/32 hospitals, administration of the therapy was delayed (median: 17.4 days). Forty-four patients suffered from SARS-COV-2 infection, in majority with mild symptoms. However, four adult patients developed complications, and one died following a SARS-COV-2 infection. Although most hospitals managed to maintain regular visits during the pandemic, more comprehensive implementation of telemedicine and switch to oral therapy or home infusions would be a reasonable solution for the current epidemic situation.