Abstract
Background/Aims
This study presents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care, access to treatment, daily activities, well-being and mental health and the role of patient organisations from the perspective of the patient with rheumatic disease in the UK.
Methods
REUMAVID is an international collaboration led by HTR of the University of Seville, together with a multidisciplinary team of rheumatologists and patient organisations from 7 European countries (in the UK: NASS, NRAS and Arthritis Action). The study consists of an online survey, including the following instruments: Self-Perceived Health, WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data are collected in two phases: the first wave of the pandemic (from May 14th to July 18th 2020) and the second wave (to be conducted in winter 2020).
Results
558 patients with rheumatic diseases participated in REUMAVID UK. The most frequently reported diagnoses were axial spondyloarthritis (44.6%), rheumatoid arthritis (44.1%) and osteoarthritis (25.6%). The mean age was 58.5±13.4 years, 78.7% women, 70.8% married or in a relationship and 54.1% having university studies. 45.8% perceived their health status being "fair to very poor" with 38.4% reporting a worsening during lockdown. 48.8% had their rheumatology appointment cancelled. Of these, 46.9% were offered either online or telephone follow-up, while the remaining 50.6% were not given any alternative. 15.6% changed their medication, of which 66.3% were indicated to do so by the medical team and 21.7% did so out of concern with COVID-19 with the major fear being that their treatment would lead to serious illness if they contracted SARS-CoV-2, while the greater hope was to be able to continue with their treatment as usual. 10.3% smoked more than before, 59.4% quit smoking and 36.3% drank more alcohol than before. 20.7% were unable to physically exercise at home and 39.2% reported weight gain. According to the WHO-5 scale, 52.5% declared poor well-being (≤50). A total of 43.6% were at risk of anxiety and 33.6% at risk of depression according to the HADS scale. During the lockdown, 54.3% were able to continue their psychological therapy. The main source of COVID-19 information was the patient organisations (reaching 63.6% of members), compared to 45.3% of non-members who did not receive any information.
Conclusion
The REUMAVID study has allowed us to measure and quantify the experience of British patients with rheumatic disease during an unprecedented public health crisis. A reduction in healthcare access, concern about treatment, changes in daily life habits and worsening of well-being and mental health were reported during the first wave. Patient organisations were the main source of COVID-19-related information. Further data will be gathered during the second wave.
Disclosure
M. Garrido-Cumbrera: None. V. Navarro-Compán: Honoraria; Abbvie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB. D. Webb: Grants/research support; AbbVie, Biogen, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UCB. C. Jacklin: Grants/research support; Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Eli, Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB. S. Irwin: Other; Coronavirus Community Support Fund. L. Christen: Other; Novartis employee. J. Correa-Fernández: None. S. Sanz-Gómez: None. H. Marzo-Ortega: Honoraria; Abbvie, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda, UCB. Grants/research support; Janssen, Novartis.
Second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is depressing: is there any hope?
