Geographical variations in COVID-19 perceptions and patient management: a national survey of rheumatologists.
Publication/Presentation Date
10-1-2020
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perceptions and behaviors of rheumatologists in the United States (US) regarding the risk of COVID-19 for their autoimmune patients and the subsequent management of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications.
METHODS: We administered an online survey to a convenience sample of rheumatologists in the US from 4/8/20-5/4/20 via social media and group emails. Survey respondents provided demographic information such as, age, gender, state of practice, and practice type. We asked questions about COVID-19 risk in rheumatic patients, as well as their medication management during the pandemic. We conducted descriptive analysis and Multivariable regression models.
RESULTS: 271 respondents completed the survey nationally. 48% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement "Patients with rheumatic diseases are at a higher risk of COVID-19 irrespective of their immunosuppressive medications". 50% disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement "The pandemic has led you to reduce the use/dosage/frequency of biologics", while 56% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement "The pandemic has led you to reduce the use/dosage/frequency of steroids". A third of respondents indicated that at least 10% of their patients had self-discontinued or reduced at least one immunosuppressive medication to mitigate their risk of COVID-19. Responses to these questions as well as to questions regarding NSAID prescription patterns were significantly different in the Northeast region of US compared to other regions.
CONCLUSION: In this national sample of rheumatologists, there are variations regarding perceptions of patients' risk of COVID-19, and how to manage medications such as NSAIDs, biologics and steroids during the pandemic. These variations are more pronounced in geographical areas where COVID-19 disease burden was high.
Volume
50
Issue
5
First Page
1049
Last Page
1054
ISSN
1532-866X
Published In/Presented At
Mehta, B., Jannat-Khah, D., Mancuso, C. A., Bass, A. R., Moezinia, C. J., Gibofsky, A., Goodman, S. M., & Ibrahim, S. (2020). Geographical variations in COVID-19 perceptions and patient management: a national survey of rheumatologists. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 50(5), 1049–1054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.06.017
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
32911282
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article