1
|
Wong LP, Lee HY, Alias H, Zimet G, Liu T, Lin Y, Hu Z. Cost-based COVID-19 vaccination and willingness to pay: A post-pandemic review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2313860. [PMID: 38359815 PMCID: PMC10877984 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2313860] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of this paper is to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers who are confronted with the evolving landscape of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), considering both free and cost-based vaccination approaches. The potential consequences of shifting from free to cost-based vaccination are explored, encompassing its impact on global vaccine equity and prioritization, economic well-being, healthcare systems and delivery, public health policies, and vaccine distribution strategies. Examining past studies on willingness to pay for the initial COVID-19 vaccine dose and booster shots provides insights into how individuals value COVID-19 vaccinations and underscores the significance of addressing issues related to affordability. If COVID-19 vaccinations incur expenses, using effective communication strategies that emphasize the importance of vaccination and personal health benefits can increase willingness to pay. Making COVID-19 vaccines accessible through public health programs or health insurance can help alleviate financial barriers and increase vaccination rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hai Yen Lee
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gregory Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tongyu Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Śliwczyński A, Jewczak M, Furlepa K, Gołębiak I, Rzeźnicki A, Marczak M, Ptak-Chmielewska A, Olszewski P, Orlewska K, Wierzba W, Nojszewska E, Orlewska E. Assessment of the dynamics of inpatient health care delivery in Poland before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11975. [PMID: 38796493 PMCID: PMC11127990 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62671-2] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A situation of emergency involving the whole population introduces changes in the dynamics of the health services that are provided. The magnitude of these shifts should be also linked to the medical speciality within which the health benefits are delivered. The aim of the paper was to identify changes in tendencies in inpatient medical service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic by medical specialties. On the basis of a database extracted for in-patient treatment received from the public payer, a retrospective analysis was carried out. Comparing the values of the dynamics of the services provided in each medical speciality, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic was collated to the years of the pandemic (2020-2021). In the period before COVID-19, positive patient dynamics were observed in more than half of the specialities. Between 2020 and 2021, virtually all specialties reversed the trend and negative dynamics were recorded. The dynamics in 2021 indicate a process of return to the values from 2015 to 2019. Emergency situation has affected the dynamics of healthcare provision in different specialities to various extent. The most resistant to the negative impulses of the state of emergency were the areas that are strictly organisationally and financially defined (e.g. the group of "therapeutic and drug programmes").
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maciej Jewczak
- Department of Spatial Econometrics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | | | - Adam Rzeźnicki
- Department of Social Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Marczak
- Collegium of Management WSB, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Ptak-Chmielewska
- Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Economic Analysis, Institute of Statistics and Demography, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Olszewski
- Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Ewelina Nojszewska
- Department of Applied Economics, Collegium of Management and Finance, Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Orlewska
- Collegium Medicum Jan Kochanowski University Kielce, Polska, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bobei TI, Sima RM, Gorecki GP, Amza M, Bobircă A, Popescu M, Haj Hamoud B, Pleș L. The financial burden of SARS-CoV-2 pregnancies in a tertiary exclusive COVID-19 maternity. J Med Life 2024; 17:471-477. [PMID: 39144686 PMCID: PMC11320610 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2024-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on health systems worldwide, and Romania was no exception. The impact on healthcare expenses for pregnant women was considerable, especially in COVID-19-only tertiary centers. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare costs in a designated COVID-19 maternity ward. We conducted an observational study comparing pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 (study group) to those without the infection (control group). Patients were recruited at Bucur Maternity Hospital from March 2020 to March 2022. We evaluated expenses for the entire period of hospitalization, treatment, medical supplies, and medical investigations. The study included 600 pregnant women, divided equally into two groups of 300 each. Significant cost differences were observed between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups: medication costs (664.56 EUR vs. 39.49 EUR), administrative costs (191.79 EUR vs. 30.28 EUR), and medical investigation costs (191.15 EUR vs. 29.42 EUR). The costs for a severe case of COVID-19 were about two times higher than a mild case and 70 times higher than a non-COVID-19 case (P <0.001). We identified a significant cost increase due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in our unit. The expenses were augmented by the time of hospitalization, medication, and medical investigations. COVID-19 had a significant impact on healthcare costs, mostly among pregnant women with severe disease. The strategy of operating exclusively as a COVID-19 unit proved to be inefficient and highly costly to our hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina-Ioana Bobei
- Department of PhD Studies, IOSUD, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Bucur Maternity, Saint John Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Romina-Marina Sima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Bucur Maternity, Saint John Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriel-Petre Gorecki
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Anesthesiology, CF2 Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Amza
- Department of PhD Studies, IOSUD, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Bucur Maternity, Saint John Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Bobircă
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Popescu
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bashar Haj Hamoud
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Liana Pleș
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Bucur Maternity, Saint John Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee M, Park WB, Kim ES, Kim Y, Park SW, Lee E, Oh MD, Kim NJ, Kim HB, Song KH, Choe PG, Kang CK, Lee CM, Choi Y, Moon SM, Choi SJ, Jeon J, Bang J. Possibility of Decreasing Incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Korea. Infect Chemother 2023; 55:451-459. [PMID: 37674340 PMCID: PMC10771950 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of newly diagnosed cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Korea, which had increased until 2019, has markedly decreased since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic started. This study evaluated whether the decrease is due to a reduction in the incidence of HIV infection and/or delayed diagnosis during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 587 newly diagnosed patients with HIV infection between February 2018 and January 2022 from four general hospitals, and their characteristics were compared between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The lapse time from infection to diagnosis was estimated using an HIV modeling tool. RESULTS The estimated mean times to diagnosis were 5.68 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.45 - 6.51 years) and 5.41 years (95% CI: 4.09 - 7.03 years) before and during the pandemic, respectively (P = 0.016). The proportion of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining illnesses, expected to visit hospitals regardless of the pandemic, decreased from 17.2% before the pandemic to 11.9% during the pandemic (P = 0.086). CONCLUSION The decrease in the number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection in Korea might have resulted from an actual decrease in the incidence of HIV infection rather than a worsening of underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minkyeong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wan Beom Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eu Suk Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeonjae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunyoung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myoung-Don Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Joong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Bin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Pyoeng Gyun Choe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Kyung Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Mi Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yunsang Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Song Mi Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seong Jin Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jaehyun Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jihwan Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nur AM, Aljunid SM, Almari M. Cost of in-patient management of COVID-19 patients in a general hospital in Kuwait. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1314. [PMID: 38017444 PMCID: PMC10685622 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10287-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the GCC countries affected by COVID-19 infections, Kuwait has been significantly impacted, with 658,520 cases and 2,563 deaths reported by the WHO on September 30, 2022. However, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Kuwait's economy, especially in the healthcare sector, remains unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the total cost of managing COVID-19 in-patients in Kuwait. METHOD A cross-sectional design was employed for this study. A total of 485 COVID-19 patients admitted to a general hospital responsible for COVID-19 cases management were randomly selected for this study from May 1st to September 31st, 2021. Data on sociodemographic information, length of stay (LOS), discharge status, and comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. The data on costs in this study cover administration, utility, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, nursing, and ICU costs. The unit cost per admission was calculated using a step-down costing method with three levels of cost centers. The unit cost was then multiplied by the individual patient's length of stay to determine the cost of care per patient per admission. FINDINGS The mean cost of COVID-19 in-patient care per admission was KD 2,216 (SD = 2,018), which is equivalent to USD 7,344 (SD = 6,688), with an average length of stay of 9.4 (SD = 8.5) days per admission. The total treatment costs for COVID-19 in-patients (n = 485) were estimated to be KD 1,074,644 (USD 3,561,585), with physician and nursing care costs constituting the largest share at 42.1%, amounting to KD 452,154 (USD 1,498,529). The second and third-largest costs were intensive care (20.6%) at KD 221,439 (USD 733,893) and laboratory costs (10.2%) at KD 109,264 (USD 362,123). The average cost for severe COVID-19 patients was KD 4,626 (USD 15,332), which is almost three times higher than non-severe patients of KD 1,544 (USD 5,117). CONCLUSION Managing COVID-19 cases comes with substantial costs. This cost information can assist hospital managers and policymakers in designing more efficient interventions, especially for managing high-risk groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrizal Muhammad Nur
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait.
| | - Syed Mohamed Aljunid
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Almari
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Valenti D, Gamberini L, Allegri D, Tartaglione M, Moggia F, Del Giudice D, Baroni R, Di Mirto CVF, Tamanti J, Rosa S, Paoletti S, Bruno L, Peterle C, Cuomo AMR, Bertini A, Giostra F, Mengoli F. Effects of 24/7 palliative care consultation availability on the use of emergency department and emergency medical services resources from non-oncological patients: a before-and-after observational cohort study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004412. [PMID: 37973206 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The non-oncological population is relatively under-represented among end-of-life (EOL) patients managed by palliative care (PC) services, and the effects of different PC delivery models are understudied in this population.This retrospective observational study on routinely collected data aimed at evaluating the effects of the extension from workday-only to 24/7 mixed hands-on and advisory home PC service on emergency department (ED) access and emergency medical services (EMS) interventions needed by non-oncological patients during their last 90 days of life, and their probability to die in hospital. METHODS A before-and-after design was adopted comparing preimplementation and postimplementation periods (2018-2019 and 2021-22).We used a difference-in-differences approach to estimate changes in ED access and EMS intervention rates in the postintervention period through binomial negative regression. The oncological population, always exposed to 24/7 PC, was used as a control. A robust Poisson regression model was adopted to investigate the differences regarding hospital mortality. The analyses were adjusted for age, sex and disease grouping by the system involved. Results were reported as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and ORs. RESULTS A total of 2831 patients were enrolled in the final analysis.After the implementation of 24/7 home PC, both ED admissions (IRR=0.390, p<0.001) and EMS interventions (IRR=0.413, p<0.001) dropped, as well as the probability to die in hospital (OR=0.321, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The adoption of a 24/7 mixed hands-on and advisory model of home PC could have relevant effects in terms of ED access and EMS use by non-oncological EOL patients under PC. TRIAL REGISRATION NUMBER NCT05640076.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danila Valenti
- Palliative Care Network, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gamberini
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Prehospital Emergency, Maggiore Hospital Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Allegri
- Department of Clinical Governance and Quality, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglione
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Prehospital Emergency, Maggiore Hospital Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Del Giudice
- EMS 118 Regional Programme, Maggiore Hospital Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaella Baroni
- Management Staff - Business Information Systems, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Tamanti
- Palliative Care Network, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Rosa
- Palliative Care Network, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Bruno
- Palliative Care Network, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Peterle
- Palliative Care Network, AUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Bertini
- Emergency Medicine, Emergency Department, Maggiore Hospital Carlo Alberto Pizzardi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Giostra
- Emergency Medicine, Emergency Department, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alicandro G, LA Vecchia C, Remuzzi G, Gerli A, Centanni S. The impact of COVID-19 on total mortality in Italy up to November 2020. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:94-96. [PMID: 33494569 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.21.04301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Alicandro
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy -
| | - Carlo LA Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alberto Gerli
- Management Engineering Tourbillon Tech srl, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Centanni
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pelullo CP, Tortoriello P, Angelillo S, Licata F, Napolitano F, Di Giuseppe G. Assessment of Perceived Health Status and Access to Health Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey in Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122051. [PMID: 36560461 PMCID: PMC9783022 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aims of this survey were to assess the perceived health status and to evaluate the use of healthcare services during the pandemic period. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2021 in the Campania and Calabria regions, Southern Italy. The sample was selected among 655 subjects attending vaccination or primary care physician clinics. (3) Results: More than half (57.2%) of the respondents were female, the mean age was 49 years (range 19-97), and 61.3% had at least one chronic disease. Among the respondents, 56.3% declared that they had accessed healthcare at least once during the pandemic and, among all respondents who did not access healthcare, 23.2% gave reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two scores obtained from the Short-Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), physical health summary (PCS) and mental health summary (MCS), had a means of 48.4 and 45.9, respectively. Among the respondents, 2.3% of respondents considered their health poor, 43.1% good and 6.4% excellent. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest the need to ensure, in similar health emergency situations, a quick response from the National Health System so that ordinary medical assistance activities can be guaranteed in full safety, avoiding the risk of missed access or lack of assistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Paola Pelullo
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Pamela Tortoriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Angelillo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Licata
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Giuseppe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-5667708
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lenzi J, Rousset S, Fantini MP, Gianino MM. Impact of COVID-19 on Timing of Hip-Fracture Surgeries: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis of the Pre/Post-Quarantine Period in Northern Italy. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2083-2089. [PMID: 34523862 PMCID: PMC9808284 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess whether the imposition of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) national quarantine (March 10, 2020) resulted in a shift in the proportion of patients operated for hip fracture on the day of admission, the following day and two days after admission in the region of Piedmont, northern Italy. METHODS Interrupted time-series analysis (ITSA) comparing hospitalization rate and timing of hip-fracture surgeries between pre- and post-quarantine period. The same data observed in Piedmont the year before were included as a control time series with no "intervention" (quarantine) in the middle of the observation period. RESULTS We found that 70.3% and 69.4% of hip-fracture patients received surgery within 2 days of hospital admission in the 16 weeks before and after the national quarantine, respectively. One-day surgery went from 46.0% to 46.5%, and same-day surgery from 13.3% to 12.4%. Unchanged trends were confirmed by ITSA after controlling for the 32-week time-series observed the year before. In the second week of March 2020, there was a borderline significant decrease in weekly hospital admissions for hip fractures as compared with that of the same week of March 2019 (-1.95 per 100 000, 95% CI = -4.10 to 0.21, P value = .075), followed by a weekly significant increase in the hospitalization rate (+0.14 per 100 000, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.27, P value = .039), although the difference-in-differences of slopes failed to achieve statistical significance (0.19 per 100 000, 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.41, P value = .090). CONCLUSION Our study shows that the timing of hip-fracture surgery was unchanged during the lockdown period. This suggests that the healthcare systems can be resilient and able to guarantee a high-quality and safe healthcare to hip-fracture patients, even in the most challenging working conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Rousset
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fantini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Gianino
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Casula M, Galimberti F, Iommi M, Olmastroni E, Rosa S, Altini M, Catapano AL, Tragni E, Poluzzi E. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Therapeutic Continuity among Outpatients with Chronic Cardiovascular Therapies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912101. [PMID: 36231403 PMCID: PMC9566639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges to healthcare systems. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on prescription and adherence patterns of chronic cardiovascular therapies (lipid-lowering [LL], oral antidiabetic drugs [AD], and antihypertensives [AH]) using administrative pharmaceutical databases. For each treatment, two cohorts of prevalent cases in 2019 and 2020 were compared. We evaluated the percentage change in dispensed packages and treatment adherence as a proportion of days covered (PDC). For all therapies, an increase was observed during March-April 2020 (LL: +4.52%; AD: +2.72%; AH: +1.09%), with a sharp decrease in May-June 2020 (LL: -8.40%; AD: -12.09%; AH: -10.54%) compared to 2019. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic cardiovascular treatments appears negligible on adherence: 533,414 patients showed high adherence to LL (PDC ≥ 80%) in January-February 2020, and 2.29% became poorly adherent (PDC < 20%) in the following four-month period (vs. 1.98% in 2019). A similar increase was also observed for AH (1.25% with poor adherence in 2020 vs. 0.93% in 2019). For AD, the increase was restrained (1.55% with poor adherence in 2020 vs. 1.37% in 2019). The rush to supply drugs at the beginning of lockdown preserved the continuity of chronic cardiovascular therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Milanese 300, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marica Iommi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Pharmacology Unit, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Olmastroni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Simona Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences-Hygiene and Biostatistics Unit, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Altini
- Romagna Local Health Authority, Emilia-Romagna Region, Via A. De Gasperi 8, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Alberico L. Catapano
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Via Milanese 300, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tragni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Poluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences-Pharmacology Unit, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Delgado F, Lepre D, Aliberti L, Marra AM, Cittadini A. The COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to move healthcare system from hospital-centered care to patient-centered care: do black swans really exist? Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:1263-1265. [PMID: 35689781 PMCID: PMC9188305 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Delgado
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples-Attending Physician, "Federico II" University Hospital and School of Medicine, Via Pansini n.5, 80127, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Lepre
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples-Attending Physician, "Federico II" University Hospital and School of Medicine, Via Pansini n.5, 80127, Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovica Aliberti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples-Attending Physician, "Federico II" University Hospital and School of Medicine, Via Pansini n.5, 80127, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto M Marra
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples-Attending Physician, "Federico II" University Hospital and School of Medicine, Via Pansini n.5, 80127, Naples, Italy.
- Center for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Interdepartmental Center for Biomaterials (CRIB), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Cittadini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University of Naples-Attending Physician, "Federico II" University Hospital and School of Medicine, Via Pansini n.5, 80127, Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Biomaterials (CRIB), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guadalajara H, Yiasemidou M, Muñoz de Nova JL, Sedman P, Fernandez Gonzalez S, Maslekar S, Recarte Rico M, Egan R, Juez LD, Riyad K, García Septiem J, Lockwood S, Galindo Jara P, Giorga A, García Virosta M, Hance J, Lobo Martínez E, Martín-Pérez E, Howitt A, Jayne D, Chetter I, García-Olmo D, Fernández-Cebrián JM, Jover JM, Acín-Gándara D, Perea-del-Pozo E, Dios-Barbeito S, Aparicio-Sánchez D, Durán-Muñoz-Cruzado VM, Pareja-Ciuró F, Martin-Antona E, Cano-Valderrama O, Torres-Garcia AJ, Zarain-Obrador L, Durán-Poveda M, Peinado-Iribar B, Fernandez-Luengas D, Pascual-Migueláñez I, Garcia-Chiloeches A, Puerta A, Martín-Pérez E, García-del-Álamo-Hernández Y, Maqueda-González R, Gutiérrez-Samaniego M, Colao-García L, Núñez-O’Sullivan S, Vaquero MA, Picardo-Nieto A, Blazquez-Martin A, Vera-Mansilla C, Soto-Schüte S, Gutiérrez-Calvo A, Mínguez-García J, Sanchez-Argüeso A, Hernández-Villafranca S, Qian-Zhang S, Gortazar-de-las-Casas S, Dominguez-Prieto V, Lopez-Fernandez O, Casalduero-García L, Iparraguirre MÁ, Florez-Gamarra M, Argüello-de-Andrés JM, Tallón-Iglesias B, Pereira-Perez F, García-Ureña MÁ, Paeriro G, Fuenmayor-Valera ML, Pardo R, Pellen M, Basheer M, Harries R, Parkins K, Spencer N, Li Z, Burridge J, Wynn H, Mesri M. The international PIACO study: pattern of surgical approaches for acute surgical pathologies in Spain versus UK. Was conservative treatment and open surgery during COVID-19 the way to go? BJS Open 2022; 6:6658292. [PMID: 35939374 PMCID: PMC9359448 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hector Guadalajara
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - José Luis Muñoz de Nova
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, La Princesa University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Peter Sedman
- Upper Gi Surgery, Hull University Teaching Hospitals , Hull , UK
| | - Saul Fernandez Gonzalez
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - María Recarte Rico
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Tajo University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | - Richard Egan
- Department of General Surgery, Swansea Bay UHB, Swansea University , Swansea, Wales , UK
| | - Luz Divina Juez
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - Javier García Septiem
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, La Princesa University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Sonia Lockwood
- Colorectal Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals , Bradford , UK
| | - Pablo Galindo Jara
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Torrejon University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | - Andrea Giorga
- Colorectal Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals , Leeds , UK
| | - Mariana García Virosta
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Infanta Sofia University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | - Julian Hance
- Colorectal Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals , Leeds , UK
| | - Eduardo Lobo Martínez
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | - Elena Martín-Pérez
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, La Princesa University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Annabel Howitt
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals , Bradford , UK
| | - David Jayne
- Leeds Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds , Leeds , UK
| | - Ian Chetter
- Academic Vascular Surgery, University of Hull , Hull , UK
| | - Damian García-Olmo
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Fundación Jimenez Díaz University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dushnicky MJ, Campbell C, Beattie KA, Berard R, Cellucci T, Chan M, Gerschman T, Johnson N, Lim L, Luca N, Miettunen P, Morishita KA, Proulx-Gauthier JP, Rumsey DG, Schmeling H, Scuccimarri R, Tam H, Guzman J, Batthish M. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on juvenile idiopathic arthritis presentation and research recruitment: results from the CAPRI registry. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:SI157-SI162. [PMID: 34726738 PMCID: PMC8689883 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery and clinical research worldwide, with data from areas most affected demonstrating an impact on rheumatology care. This study aimed to characterize the impact of the pandemic on the initial presentation of JIA and JIA-related research in Canada. METHODS Data collected from the Canadian Alliance of Pediatric Rheumatology Investigators JIA Registry from the year pre-pandemic (11 March 2019 to 10 March 2020) was compared with data collected during the first year of the pandemic (11 March 2020 to 10 March 2021). Outcomes included time from symptom onset to first assessment, disease severity at presentation and registry recruitment. Proportions and medians were used to describe categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS The median time from symptom onset to first assessment was 138 (IQR 64-365) days pre-pandemic vs 146 (IQR 83-359) days during the pandemic. The JIA category frequencies remained overall stable (44% oligoarticular JIA pre-pandemic, 46.8% pandemic), except for systemic JIA (12 cases pre-pandemic, 1 pandemic). Clinical features, disease activity (cJADAS10), disability (CHAQ) and quality of life (JAQQ) scores were similar between the two cohorts. Pre-pandemic, 225 patients were enrolled, compared with 111 in the pandemic year, with the greatest decrease from March to June 2020. CONCLUSIONS We did not observe the anticipated delay in time to presentation or increased severity at presentation, suggesting that, within Canada, care adapted well to provide support to new patient consults without negative impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an initial 50% decrease in registry enrolment but has since improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen A Beattie
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Roberta Berard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London
| | - Tania Cellucci
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Mercedes Chan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Tommy Gerschman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Nicole Johnson
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Lillian Lim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Nadia Luca
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Paivi Miettunen
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Kimberly A Morishita
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | | | - Dax G Rumsey
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Heinrike Schmeling
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Rosie Scuccimarri
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Herman Tam
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Jaime Guzman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Michelle Batthish
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mancarella M, Natarelli F, Bertolini C, Zagari A, Enrica Bettinelli M, Castaldi S. Catch-up vaccination campaign in children between 6 and 8 years old during COVID-19 pandemic: The experience in a COVID hub in Milan, Italy. Vaccine 2022; 40:3664-3669. [PMID: 35570078 PMCID: PMC9098956 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has led to disruption in routine immunization programs around the world. Effective strategies need to be developed to address the decline in vaccine coverage to avoid preventable disease outbreaks. Our study reports a 4-days campaign for the catching-up of missed vaccinations in children aged between 6 and 8 years, in Milan, Italy. METHODS The catch-up vaccination campaign (21st-24th of September 2021) involved children born in 2013, 2014 and 2015. These cohorts, if not already immunized, received the fourth dose of the Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis and Poliomyelitis vaccination (DTaPP4), the second dose of the Measles-Mumps and Rubella vaccination (MMR2) and Chickenpox, according to the Italian vaccine schedule. RESULTS 3,943 letters were sent to children with a missing vaccination. 1,315 children, 33% of expected, were vaccinated during the campaign. The 2015 cohort was the one that benefited most from the initiative, 955 children were vaccinated for a total of 1,864 doses administered. This has led to a significant increase of 20.0 percentage points (p.p.) in vaccination coverages for the fourth dose of DTaPP and the second dose of MMR. 214 children for the 2014 cohort and 146 for the 2013 cohort were vaccinated during the following days, these cohorts have been already called previously therefore the participation in the campaign and consequently the increase in vaccination coverages were less substantial. CONCLUSIONS This experience has demonstrated that a mass vaccination campaign could be a useful tool in catch-up strategies, even during the pandemic. It should be part of a bigger immunization program strategy that also includes efforts to simultaneously strengthen routine immunization services. With the appropriate organizational improvements, this initiative could pave the way for future successful campaigns involving different age groups and vaccinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Mancarella
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Natarelli
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Antonino Zagari
- Direzione Socio-Sanitaria, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Enrica Bettinelli
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; Vaccination Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Silvana Castaldi
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sansone E, Sala E, Albini E, Tiraboschi M, Cipriani L, De Palma G. Effectiveness of a digital data gathering system to manage the first pandemic wave among healthcare workers in a main European coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tertiary-care hospital. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2022; 2:e66. [PMID: 36483445 PMCID: PMC9726499 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2022.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the information collected from workers infected with severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or close contacts using a digital data gathering system (DDGS) developed at the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to better manage the spread of infection at our hospital. DESIGN Observational retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary University Hospital "Spedali Civili" Hospital, Brescia, Italy. PARTICIPANTS Workers (most of whom are healthcare workers) employed at the hospital. METHODS The information collected by the DDGS was transferred to the IBM SPSS statistical software package and then statistically analyzed. RESULTS Overall, ∼16% of the hospital workforce was infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the first pandemic wave. Nurses were the professional category with the highest infection rate (∼15%). The asymptomatic rate of infection was between 31% and 62%. Positive molecular swabs were significantly more frequent in workers undergoing the test after sending a signaling form to our DDGS. Among workers sending the signaling forms, the information about symptoms was more predictive in terms of risk, compared to the close-contact information. The concordance between molecular swabs and subsequent serological testing was significantly higher in workers signaling their at-risk condition through the DDGS. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data demonstrate the advantages of a digital system to gather information from workers, which is useful for managing emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This holds particularly true for large organizations such as hospitals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sansone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emma Sala
- Unit of Occupational Health, Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention, University Hospital “Spedali Civili Di Brescia,” Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Albini
- Unit of Occupational Health, Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention, University Hospital “Spedali Civili Di Brescia,” Brescia, Italy
| | - Mara Tiraboschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cipriani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Palma
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Unit of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Health, Hygiene, Toxicology and Prevention, University Hospital “Spedali Civili Di Brescia,” Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Caldarella C, Cocciolillo F, Taralli S, Lorusso M, Scolozzi V, Pizzuto DA, Calcagni ML, Rufini V, Guido D, Palluzzi F, Giacò L, Giordano A, Leccisotti L. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological disease extent at FDG PET/CT staging: the ONCOVIPET study. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:1623-1629. [PMID: 34877609 PMCID: PMC8651274 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05629-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown had an impact on the extent of cancer disease at FDG PET/CT staging as surrogate marker. METHODS Retrospective observational study including cancer patients submitted to FDG PET/CT staging from June 1 to October 31, 2020, and June 1 to October 31, 2019, respectively. Data regarding primary tumour, nodal (N) status and number of involved nodal stations, and presence and number of distant metastases (M) were collected. Each scan was classified in limited vs advanced status. Data were aggregated across the study population and tumour type. Bi-weekly frequencies of the observed events were analysed. RESULTS Six hundred eleven patients were included (240 in 2019 vs 371 in 2020, respectively). A significant increase of advanced disease patients (rate 1.56, P < 0.001), N + or M + patients (rate 1.84 and 2.09, respectively, P < 0.001), and patients with a greater number of involved N stations or M (rate 2.01 and 2.06, respectively, P < 0.001) were found in 2020 compared with data of 2019. Analysis by tumour type showed a significant increase of advanced disease in lymphoma and lung cancer in 2020 compared with 2019 (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant increase of nodal involvement was found in lung, gastro-intestinal, and breast cancers, as well as in lymphoma patients (P < 0.02). A significant increase of distant metastases was found in lung cancers (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION Cancer patients with advanced disease at FDG PET/CT staging increased in 2020 compared with 2019, following the national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 1.5-fold with a significant increase of patients with N or M involvement. Targeted health interventions are needed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on patient outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Caldarella
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cocciolillo
- PET/CT Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Taralli
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Lorusso
- PET/CT Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Scolozzi
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Antonio Pizzuto
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Calcagni
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologia, Sezione di Medicina Nucleare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rufini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologia, Sezione di Medicina Nucleare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Guido
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Fernando Palluzzi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Giacò
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giordano
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologia, Sezione di Medicina Nucleare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Leccisotti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC di Medicina Nucleare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologia, Sezione di Medicina Nucleare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sarc I, Lotric Dolinar A, Morgan T, Sambt J, Ziherl K, Gavric D, Selb J, Rozman A, Dosenovic Bonca P. Mortality, seasonal variation, and susceptibility to acute exacerbation of COPD in the pandemic year: a nationwide population study. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2022; 16:17534666221081047. [PMID: 35253548 PMCID: PMC8905064 DOI: 10.1177/17534666221081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with a decreased rate of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Data on how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced mortality, seasonality of, and susceptibility to AECOPD in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population is scarce. Methods: We conducted a national population-based retrospective study using data from the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia from 2015 to February 2021, with 2015–2019 as the reference. We extracted patient and healthcare data for AECOPD, dividing AECOPD into severe, resulting in hospitalisation, and moderate, requiring outpatient care. The national COPD population was generated based on dispensed prescriptions of inhalation therapies, and moderate AECOPD events were analysed based on dispensed AECOPD medications. We extracted data on all-cause and non-COVID mortality. Results: The numbers of severe and moderate AECOPD were reduced by 48% and 34%, respectively, in 2020. In the pandemic year, the seasonality of AECOPD was reversed, with a 1.5-fold higher number of severe AECOPD in summer compared to winter. The proportion of frequent exacerbators (⩾2 AECOPD hospitalisations per year) was reduced by 9% in 2020, with a 30% reduction in repeated severe AECOPD in frequent exacerbators and a 34% reduction in persistent frequent exacerbators (⩾2 AECOPD hospitalisations per year for 2 consecutive years) from 2019. The risk of two or more moderate AECOPD decreased by 43% in 2020. In the multivariate model, pandemic year follow-up was the only independent factor associated with a decreased risk for severe AECOPD (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61–0.84; p < 0.0001). In 2020, non-COVID mortality decreased (−15%) and no excessive mortality was observed in the COPD population. Conclusion: In the pandemic year, we found decreased susceptibility to AECOPD across severity spectrum of COPD, reversed seasonal distribution of severe AECOPD and decreased non-COVID mortality in the COPD population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Sarc
- Noninvasive Ventilation Department, University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik 36, 4204 Golnik, Slovenia Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alesa Lotric Dolinar
- Academic Unit for Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research, School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Morgan
- University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| | - Joze Sambt
- Academic Unit for Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research, School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Ziherl
- Noninvasive Ventilation Department, University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dalibor Gavric
- The Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julij Selb
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SloveniaUniversity Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| | - Ales Rozman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SloveniaUniversity Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| | - Petra Dosenovic Bonca
- Academic Unit for Economics, School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dupraz J, Le Pogam MA, Peytremann-Bridevaux I. Early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person outpatient care utilisation: a rapid review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056086. [PMID: 35241471 PMCID: PMC8895419 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantitatively assess the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person outpatient care utilisation worldwide, as well as across categories of services, types of care and medical specialties. DESIGN Rapid review. METHOD A search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted to identify studies published from 1 January 2020 to 12 February 2021, which quantitatively reported the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the amount of outpatient care services delivered (in-person visits, diagnostic/screening procedures and treatments). There was no restriction on the type of medical care (emergency/primary/specialty care) or target population (adult/paediatric). All articles presenting primary data from studies reporting on outpatient care utilisation were included. Studies describing conditions requiring hospitalisation or limited to telehealth services were excluded. RESULTS A total of 517 articles reporting 1011 outpatient care utilisation measures in 49 countries worldwide were eligible for inclusion. Of those, 93% focused on the first semester of 2020 (January to June). The reported results showed an almost universal decline in in-person outpatient care utilisation, with a 56% overall median relative decrease. Heterogeneity across countries was high, with median decreases ranging from 10% to 91%. Diagnostic and screening procedures (-63%), as well as in-person visits (-56%), were more affected than treatments (-36%). Emergency care showed a smaller relative decline (-49%) than primary (-60%) and specialty care (-58%). CONCLUSIONS The provision of in-person outpatient care services has been strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but heterogeneously across countries. The long-term population health consequences of the disruption of outpatient care service delivery remain currently unknown and need to be studied. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021237366.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dupraz
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Annick Le Pogam
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Pathways for Non-SARS-CoV-2 Related Diseases in the Lazio Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020635. [PMID: 35055455 PMCID: PMC8776184 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Clinical pathways (CPs) are multidisciplinary clinical governance tools necessary for the care management of the patients, whose aim is to outline the best practicable path within a health organization related to an illness or to a complex clinical situation. The COVID-19 pandemic emergency has created the need for an organizational renewal of care pathways based on the principles of “primary health care” recommended by the WHO. In Italy, the Hospitals and Local Health Authorities (ASL) have tried to guarantee the continuity of non-deferrable treatments and the maximum safety of both patients and health professionals. This study analyzes the organizational and managerial responses adopted in pathology-specific care pathways to assess how CPs as diagnostic tools responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first two waves. Twenty-four referents of Operational Units (UU OO) from Hospitals (AO) and Local Health Authorities (ASL) of the Lazio Region (Central Italy) that apply four different CPs responded to a survey, which analyzes the managerial and organizational responses of CPs in regard to different contexts. Results show that the structural and organizational adjustments of the CPs have made it possible to maintain an adequate level of care for specific treatment processes, with some common critical aspects that require improvement actions. The adjustments found could be useful for dealing with new outbreaks and/or new epidemics in order to try to mitigate the potential negative impact, especially on the most vulnerable patient categories.
Collapse
|
20
|
Cost comparison between transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical valve replacement using individual data in a Spanish public hospital. CIRUGIA CARDIOVASCULAR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.circv.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
21
|
Oksuz E, Malhan S, Gonen MS, Kutlubay Z, Keskindemirci Y, Tabak F. COVID-19 healthcare cost and length of hospital stay in Turkey: retrospective analysis from the first peak of the pandemic. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2021; 11:39. [PMID: 34623528 PMCID: PMC8500269 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-021-00338-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care systems are under extreme pressure. This study analyzed health care resource use (HCRU) and costs in patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 and aimed to estimate the one-year direct medical cost of the disease in Turkey. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted between March and July 2020 in a tertiary hospital (n = 1056) in Istanbul. Patient demographics, clinical and treatment characteristics at admission, comorbidities, disease severity, and costs from a payer perspective were evaluated using the microcosting method. The results include LOS, hospital costs, and univariate and generalized linear models to investigate influencing factors. The data were extrapolated to provide a country-level estimate. RESULTS The mean length of stay was 9.1 days (SD 6.9). The mean length of stay was 8.0 days (4.7) for patients hospitalized in wards versus 14.8 days (SD 12.0) for patients hospitalized in the ICU. In univariate analysis, several factors, including O2 therapy (+ 3.7 days), high CRP > 41.8 mg/L (+ 3.8 days), and elevated ferritin (+ 3.5), were found to be associated with a longer LOS (p < 0.05). The direct annual medical cost of COVID-19 was estimated at PPP$ 2.1 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a direct medical burden that corresponds to 2.0% of the government health expenditures and 0.8 per thousand of Turkey's gross domestic product (GDP). CONCLUSIONS Estimating the impact of this pandemic in terms of HCRU and costs to the health care system can help design strategies to manage the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ergun Oksuz
- Department of Family Medicine, Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Simten Malhan
- Department of Health Care Management, Baskent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Zekayi Kutlubay
- Istanbul University-Dean of Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Fehmi Tabak
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istanbul University -Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kalanj K, Marshall R, Karol K, Tiljak MK, Orešković S. The Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Admissions in Croatia. Front Public Health 2021; 9:720948. [PMID: 34568262 PMCID: PMC8459902 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.720948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted hospital care, as hospitals had to deal with a highly infectious virus, while at the same time continuing to fulfill the ongoing health service needs of their communities. This study examines the direct effects of COVID-19 on the delivery of inpatient care in Croatia. Materials and Methods: The research is a retrospective, comparative analysis of the hospital admission rate across all Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) classes before and during the pandemic. It is based on DRG data from all non-specialized acute hospitals in Croatia, which account for 96% of national inpatient activity. The study also used COVID-19 data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (CIPH). Results: The results show a 21% decrease in the total number of admissions [incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.8, p < 0.0001] across the hospital network during the pandemic in 2020, with the greatest drop occurring in April, when admissions plunged by 51%. The decrease in activity occurred in non-elective DRG classes such as cancers, stroke, major chest procedures, heart failure, and renal failure. Coinciding with this reduction however, there was a 37% increase (IRR 1.39, p < 0.0001) in case activity across six COVID-19 related DRG classes. Conclusions: The reduction in hospital inpatient activity during 2020, can be attributed to a number of factors such as lock-downs and quarantining, reorganization of hospital operations, the rationing of the medical workforce, and the reluctance of people to seek hospital care. Further research is needed to examine the consequences of disruption to hospital care in Croatia. Our recommendation is to invest multidisciplinary effort in reviewing response procedures to emergencies such as COVID-19 with the aim of minimizing their impact on other, and equally important community health care needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kalanj
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinic of Oncology, Clinical Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ric Marshall
- Epidemiologist and Independent Consultant in Health System Funding Models, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS, Australia
| | - Karl Karol
- Independent Consultant, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirjana Kujundžić Tiljak
- Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stjepan Orešković
- Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gentili S, Emberti Gialloreti L, Riccardi F, Scarcella P, Liotta G. Predictors of Emergency Room Access and Not Urgent Emergency Room Access by the Frail Older Adults. Front Public Health 2021; 9:721634. [PMID: 34540791 PMCID: PMC8446358 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.721634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Emergency rooms (ERs) overcrowded by older adults have been the focus of public health policies during the recent COVID-19 outbreak too. This phenomenon needed a change in the nursing care of older frail people. Health policies have tried to mitigate the frequent use of ER by implementing community care to meet the care demands of older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the predictors of emergency room access (ERA) and not-urgent emergency room access (NUERA) of community-dwelling frail older adults in order to provide an indication for out-of-hospital care services. Method: Secondary analysis of an observational longitudinal cohort study was carried out. The cohort consisted of 1,246 community-dwelling frail older adults (over 65 years) in the Latium region in Italy. The ER admission rate was assessed over 3 years from the administration of the functional geriatric evaluation (FGE) questionnaire. The ordinal regression model was used to identify the predictors of ERA and NUERA. Moreover, the ERA and NUERA rate per 100 observations/year was analyzed. Results: The mean age was 73.6 (SD ± 7.1) years, and 53.4% were women. NUERAs were the 39.2% of the ERAs; robust and pre-frail individuals (79.3% of the sample) generated more than two-third of ERAs (68.17%), even if frails and very frails showed the higher ER rates per observation/year. The ordinal logistic regression model highlighted a predictive role on ERAs of comorbidity (OR = 1.13, p < 0.001) and frailty level (OR = 1.29; p < 0.001). Concerning NUERAs, social network (OR 0.54, P = 0.015) and a medium score of pulmo-cardio-vascular function (OR 1.50, P = 0.006) were the predictors. Conclusion: Comorbidity, lack of social support, and functional limitations increase both ERA and NUERA rates generated by the older adult population. Overall, bio-psycho-social frailty represents an indicator of the frequency of ERAs. However, to reduce the number of ERAs, intervention should focus mainly on the robust and pre-frail needs for prevention and care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Gentili
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,"Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Riccardi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,"Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Scarcella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,"Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Liotta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,"Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Smits M, Vernooij MW, Bargalló N, Ramos A, Yousry TA. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on adult diagnostic neuroradiology in Europe. Neuroradiology 2021; 64:31-42. [PMID: 33974110 PMCID: PMC8110687 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02722-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this survey was to understand the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has or has had on the work, training, and wellbeing of professionals in the field of diagnostic neuroradiology. Methods A survey was emailed to all ESNR members and associates as well as distributed via professional social media channels. The survey was held in the summer of 2020 when the first wave had subsided in most of Europe, while the second wave was not yet widespread. The questionnaire featured a total of 46 questions on general demographics, the various phases of the healthcare crisis, and the numbers of Covid-19 patients. Results One hundred sixty-seven responses were received from 48 countries mostly from neuroradiologists (72%). Most commonly taken measures during the crisis phase were reduction of outpatient exams (87%), reduction of number of staff present in the department (83%), reporting from home (62%), and shift work (54%). In the exit phase, these measures were less frequently applied, but reporting from home was still frequent (33%). However, only 22% had access to a fully equipped work station at home. While 81% felt safe at work during the crisis, fewer than 50% had sufficient personal protection equipment for the duration of the entire crisis. Mental wellbeing is an area of concern, with 61% feeling (much) worse than usual. Many followed online courses/congresses and considered these a viable alternative for the future. Conclusion The Covid-19 pandemic substantially affected the professional life as well as personal wellbeing of neuroradiologists. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00234-021-02722-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Smits
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine (Ne-515), Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - M W Vernooij
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine (Ne-515), Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - N Bargalló
- Magnetic Resonance Image Core Facility, IDIBAPS and Centre of Diagnostic Imaging (CDIC), Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Ramos
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - T A Yousry
- Division of Neuroradiology and Neurophysics, Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, UCL IoN, UCLH, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tirelli U, Chirumbolo S. COVID-19 and cancer: A deadly pairing. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1199-1200. [PMID: 33861864 PMCID: PMC8251153 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Tirelli
- National Cancer Institute, Aviano (PN), Italy.,Tirelli Medical Group, Pordenone (PN), Italy
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|