1
|
Rezaei S, Ghiasvand H, Brown H. Time series analysis of COVID-19's impact on physician and dentist visits in Iran. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16453. [PMID: 39013932 PMCID: PMC11252254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general practitioner (GP), specialist, and dentist visits among 40 million Iranians covered by the Social Security Organization (SSO). A monthly interrupted time series analysis was conducted over a period of 72 months, including-47 months before the pandemic and 25 months after its onset. The outcomes variables were monthly number of GP, specialist, and dentist visits per 1000 SSO-insured individuals. The analysis was performed by total visits, visits to the SSO direct sector, and visits to the indirect sectors. The study found that in the first month of the pandemic, the number of visits per 1000 insured individuals significantly decreased for visits to GPs (by 51.12, 95% CI -64.42 to -37.88), visits to specialists (by 39.11, 95% CI -51.61 to -26.62), and visits to dentists (by 6.67, 95% CI -8.55 to -4.78). However, during the subsequent months of the pandemic, there was a significant increase in the number of monthly visits for all three categories, with GPs experiencing the highest increase (1.78 visits per 1000 insured), followed by specialists (1.32 visits per 1000 insured), and dentists (0.05 visits per 1000 insured). Furthermore, prior to the pandemic, the number of monthly GP visits per 1000 insured individuals was statistically significantly lower in the indirect sector compared to the direct sector (45.79, 95% CI -52.69 to -38.89). Conversely, the direct sector exhibited lower rates of specialist visits (25.84 visits per 1000 insured individuals, 95% CI 22.87 to 28.82) and dentist visits (0.75 visits per 1000 insured individuals, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.36) compared to the indirect sector. Additionally, the study found that in the first month of the pandemic, the monthly number of GP visits in the indirect sector significantly increased by 34.44 times (95% CI 24.81 to 44.08) compared to the direct sector. For specialist visits and dentist visits, the increase was 3.41 (95% CI -5.87 to 12.69) and 5.01 (95% CI 3.48 to 6.53) per 1000 insured individuals, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate statistically significant disruptions in GP, specialist, and dentist visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, although some recovery was observed. Both the direct and indirect sectors experienced decreased visits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satar Rezaei
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Hesam Ghiasvand
- Research Centre for Healthcare & Communities, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Heather Brown
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al Khatib I, Chembakath JJ, Ndiaye M. Benchmarking Sweden's Digitalization Transformation Strategy-Is It a Good Fit for the UAE? Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38916743 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The ongoing revolution in health care, driven by wearable technology, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things, is reshaping both health care operations and our daily lives. This digital transformation ensures broader access to health care options, fosters patient-centered care and affects both health care institutions and individuals. In Sweden, health care is undergoing a digital shift, with initiatives like personal health management, remote monitoring, and virtual care enhancing patient involvement. This article reviews Sweden's health care digital transformation and compares it with the United Arab Emirates (UAE's) initiatives to assess viability. Methods: Using systematic literature review methods, databases from 2011 to 2023 were searched, supplemented by reference lists. Results: Database searches identified 761 records. A total of 480 articles were screened on basis of title and abstract, yielding 184 that were assessed for eligibility, leading to 40 academic studies to be included and 12 grey literature. Conclusions: The findings highlight Sweden's success in empowering patients through enhanced connectivity with clinical teams, knowledge sharing, and care management. However, due to contextual differences, the UAE should not blindly replicate Sweden's strategy. In conclusion, Sweden's efforts have positively engaged patients in health care, but challenges such as emerging technologies, demographic shifts, and budget constraints persist. Proactive planning and adaptation are crucial, with lessons applicable to the UAE market. Establishing a clear regulatory framework for digital care is imperative for future resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inas Al Khatib
- College of Industrial Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junu Jahana Chembakath
- College of Industrial Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Malick Ndiaye
- College of Industrial Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bjerke K, Brænd AM, Fossum GH. Parental Concerns for Children With Cold-like Symptoms With Reduced Access to Evaluation in Primary Care Settings During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. J Pediatr Health Care 2024:S0891-5245(24)00137-8. [PMID: 38904595 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to explore the concerns of parents when their children had symptoms of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Two Norwegian internet forums were searched for parents' experiences when their children had upper respiratory infection symptoms in 2020-2021. A total of 197 posts were included and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Parents described COVID-19-related and general worries regarding their children with upper respiratory infection symptoms. The first theme, "It is not 'just a cold' during the pandemic," captures how infection control measures influenced parents' concerns. The second theme, "Concerns and consequences of fever and cold symptoms," describes general parental worries. Varying levels of worries regarding health care services, limitations of family life, and concerns for relatives were highlighted. DISCUSSION Knowledge of parents' concerns about cold symptoms may help primary health care providers target individual patient counseling and provide background information when policymakers develop information material for infection prevention and treatment.
Collapse
|
4
|
Andreen N, Westin J, Vanfleteren LEGW. Hospital Admission Rates in Patients with COPD Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:1763-1772. [PMID: 37608833 PMCID: PMC10441640 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s409452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Several studies report decreased hospital admissions for acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are no studies that compare AECOPD admissions with admissions for respiratory infections, including COVID-19. This study aimed to examine hospital admission rates for AECOPD, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19 among COPD patients, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods We obtained anonymized data on hospital admissions of patients with COPD and a primary diagnosis code for AECOPD, pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19, from the hospital patient admission register at a large Swedish hospital. The study compared the pandemic period (February 2020-March 2022) to a period before the pandemic (June 2017-January 2020). Sequential phases of the pandemic were evaluated separately. Monthly admission rates were compared using Poisson regression, controlling for admission month. Results Comparing monthly admission rates during the pandemic with the prepandemic period, incidence rate ratios were 0.72 for AECOPD (95% CI 0.67-0.77; p<0.001), 0.56 for pneumonia (95% CI 0.49-0.62; p<0.001), 0.18 for influenza during the winter period (95% CI 0.10-0.30; p<0.001) and 0.79 for total COPD admissions, including COVID-19 (95% CI 0.75-0.84; p<0.001). The study showed significantly lower rate ratios for AECOPD, pneumonia, and total COPD admissions during the first, second, third, and fifth (Omicron) waves. No significant effect on admissions was seen after the withdrawal of restriction measures. Conclusion There was a significant reduction in the overall rate of hospital admissions among COPD patients for AECOPD, pneumonia, and respiratory viral infections during the pandemic despite the rise in COVID-19 admissions. However, prepandemic admission levels returned in the post-restriction period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Andreen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Westin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lowie E G W Vanfleteren
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, COPD Center, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramond-Roquin A, Gautier S, Le Breton J, Bourgueil Y, Bouchez T. French General Practitioners' Adaptations for Patients with Suspected COVID-19 in May 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1896. [PMID: 36767262 PMCID: PMC9914740 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In France, towards the end of the first lockdown, COVID-19 management was largely transferred from hospitals to primary care. Primary care actors adapted their practices to ensure patients' access to care, while limiting contamination. In this study, we aimed to identify patterns of adaptations implemented by French general practitioners (GPs) in May 2020 for outpatients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and factors associated with these adaptions. A French survey concerning care organization adaptations, and individual, organizational, and territorial characteristics, was sent to GPs. Data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis followed by agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify GPs' adaptation clusters. A multinomial logistic regression model estimated the associations between clusters and individual, organizational, and territorial factors. Finally, 3068 surveys were analyzed (5.8% of French GPs). Four GPs' adaptation clusters were identified: autonomous medical reorganization (64.2% of responders), interprofessional reorganization (15.9%), use of hospital (5.1%), and collaboration with COVID-19 outpatient centers (14.8%). Age, practice type and size, and territorial features were significantly associated with adaptation clusters. Our results suggest that healthcare systems should consider organizational features of primary care to effectively deal with future challenges, including healthcare crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also those linked to epidemiologic and societal changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Ramond-Roquin
- Département de Médecine Générale, University Angers, F-49000 Angers, France
- Univ. Angers, Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France
- Collège National des Généralistes Enseignants (CNGE), F-75000 Paris, France
- Département de Médecine de Famille et de Médecine d’Urgence, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Sylvain Gautier
- Inserm U1018, CESP, Primary Care and Prevention, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Paris-Saclay University, F-94807 Villejuif, France
- Mission RESPIRE, EHESP-CNAMTS-IRDES–EA MOS 7348 EHESP, F-93210 Saint-Denis, France
- Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Hospital Raymond Poincaré, F-92380 Garches, France
| | - Julien Le Breton
- Inserm, IMRB, CEpiA, University Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, F-94010 Créteil, France
- Department of General Practice, Faculty of Health, University Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, F-94010 Créteil, France
- French Society of General Medicine (SFMG), F-92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
- Institut Jean-François REY (IJFR), F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Yann Bourgueil
- Mission RESPIRE, EHESP-CNAMTS-IRDES–EA MOS 7348 EHESP, F-93210 Saint-Denis, France
- Institute for Health Research and Documentation (IRDES), F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Tiphanie Bouchez
- Department of Education and Research in General Practice, RETINES, HEALTHY, Université Côte d’Azur, F-06000 Nice, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bezuidenhout L, Joseph C, Thurston C, Rhoda A, English C, Conradsson DM. Telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden: a survey of use and perceptions among physiotherapists treating people with neurological diseases or older adults. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:555. [PMID: 35473602 PMCID: PMC9038993 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telerehabilitation, i.e. rehabilitation at a distance using Information and Communication Technology (ICT), is a promising avenue for improving health among people with neurological diseases or older adults who often experience limited access to services. Still, little is known about physiotherapists’ use, perceptions and needs with regards to telerehabilitation services. Aims To describe physiotherapists use and perceptions of, as well as needs for, telerehabilitation services for the rehabilitation of people with neurological diseases or older adults in Sweden. Methods In this cross-sectional study, an author-created survey was sent out to members of the Swedish Association of Physiotherapists including questions about the use and perceptions of existing telerehabilitation services (e.g. telephone, internet-based applications and mobile applications) as well as needs of future telerehabilitation services. The results were presented descriptively as numbers and percentages. Results Three hundred seven physiotherapists were included in this study with 139 (45%) treating people with neurological diseases and 168 (55%) treating older adults. Most respondents did not provide telerehabilitation before (74%) or during (51%) the COVID-19 pandemic. Telephone, which was predominantly used for administrative tasks, was the most frequent utilised ICT used by 68% of the physiotherapist using ICTs several days/week. Few respondents used internet-based applications (12%), mobile applications (3%) or SMS services (8%) and videoconferencing (3%). A majority of the respondents were interested in ICT (78%), felt comfortable using ICT (57%) and were interested in learning how ICT can be used in rehabilitation (92%). Still, few respondents perceived that people with neurological diseases or older adults can use existing ICTs for rehabilitation purposes (18%) and that existing reimbursement system within health care facilitates remote rehabilitation (16%). Important functionality of future ICT perceived by physiotherapists covered patient communication (e.g. chat, SMS and video), assessments (e.g. digital surveys and assessment of physical activity) and treatment (e.g. exercise prescription). Conclusion While physiotherapists had an overall positive perception to use and willingness to learn about telerehabilitation, few used telerehabilitation services before nor during the COVID-19 pandemic and they also perceived multilevel barriers for implementation, ranging from patients ability to use ICT to existing reimbursement systems within health care. Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen the expertise regarding remote services among physiotherapists. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07968-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Bezuidenhout
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Community and Health Sciences; Deanery, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Conran Joseph
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Thurston
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anthea Rhoda
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences; Deanery, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Coralie English
- School of Health Sciences and Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - David Moulaee Conradsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Medical unit Occupational therapy & Physiotherapy, Theme Women's Health and Allied Health Professional, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
"Get Used to the Fact That Some of the Care Is Really Going to Take Place in a Different Way": General Practitioners' Experiences with E-Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095120. [PMID: 35564519 PMCID: PMC9104344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the introduction of the more extensive use of e-health in Dutch general practices. The objective of this study was to investigate the experiences of general practitioners (GPs) regarding this change. In addition, the necessary conditions for e-health technology to be of added value to general practices were explored. In April 2020, 30 GPs were recruited for in-depth interviews via a web survey which contained questions regarding the use of e-health during the first wave of the pandemic. While most GPs intend to keep using e-health applications more extensively than before the pandemic, the actual use of e-health depends on several factors, including the characteristics of the application’s users. The following conditions for successful and sustainable implementation of e-health were identified: (1) integration of e-health technology in the organization of GP care, (2) sufficient user-friendliness of applications as well as digital skills of professionals and patients, and (3) adequate technological and financial support of e-health services. GPs clearly recognize the benefits of using e-health, and most GPs intend to keep using e-health applications more extensively than before the pandemic. However, improvements are needed to allow widespread and sustainable adoption of e-health technology in general practices.
Collapse
|