Dataset Information

The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients have been identified as at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is likely that lockdown restrictions (enforced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) and subsequent changes made to healthcare provision could impact patients' abilities to effectively manage their condition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with IA.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IA patients in June-July 2020, with nine follow-up interviews in November 2020. Interview schedules were developed with a Patient Research Partner and explored participants' experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were conducted via telephone and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were aged between 24 and 79 years (mean = 50.1, SD = 15.8), largely female (71%) and White British (86%). Four initial themes were identified: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence, (2) Impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, (3) Impact of COVID-19 on diet, and (4) Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access and delivery. Subthemes focused on positive and negative changes made to these areas, as well as behaviours which remained consistent. Follow-up interviews highlighted differences in participants' experiences during the two lockdown periods.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has affected patients' abilities to manage their IA. Healthcare professionals need to recognise the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on patient self-management and healthcare access to ensure that adequate understanding and support is available to patients who may have inadequate disease control as a result.

SUBMITTER: Caton E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8522124 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis.

Caton Emma E Chaplin Hema H Carpenter Lewis L Sweeney Melissa M Tung Hsiu Yen HY de Souza Savia S Galloway James J Nikiphorou Elena E Norton Sam S

BMC rheumatology 20211018 1

<h4>Background</h4>Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients have been identified as at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is likely that lockdown restrictions (enforced by the UK government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) and subsequent changes made to healthcare provision could impact patients' abilities to effectively manage their condition. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people w ...[more]

PMID: 34657629

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Dataset Information

The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

The impact of COVID-19 on self-management behaviours and healthcare access for people with inflammatory arthritis.

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