Author:
Tikellis Gabriella,Corte Tamera,Glaspole Ian N.,Goh Nicole,Khor Yet H.,Wrobel Jeremy,Symons Karen,Fuhrmeister Lisa,Glenn Laura,Chirayath Shiji,Troy Lauren,Holland Anne E.
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transformation of health services. This study aimed to understand the experiences of healthcare by people with interstitial lung disease (ILD), to inform future service delivery.
Methods
Four specialist clinics in tertiary centres in Australia (Victoria:2 sites; New South Wales: 1 site; Western Australia: 1 site) recruited patients with ILD during an 8-week period from March 2021. Participants completed a COVID-specific questionnaire focused on health-related experiences during 2020.
Results
Ninety nine (65% of 153) participants completed the questionnaire. 47% had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or connective tissue disease-associated ILD, 62% were female and the average age was 66 years. Whilst 56% rated their overall health in 2020 as the same as months prior, 38% indicated a worsening in health attributed to reduced physical activity and fear of contracting the virus. Access to healthcare professionals was ‘good’ in 61%, and ‘fair-to-poor’ for 37% due to missed respiratory assessments, with telehealth (mainly telephone) being perceived as less effective. 89% had contact with respiratory physicians, 68% with general practitioners, predominantly via telephone, with few video consultations. High satisfaction with care was reported by 78%, with lower satisfaction attributed to delays in assessments, disruption to usual services such as pulmonary rehabilitation, and dissatisfaction with telehealth.
Conclusion
People with ILD were generally satisfied with their care during 2020, however reduced access to healthcare professionals was challenging for those experiencing a deterioration in health. Telehealth was largely well received but did not always meet the needs of people with ILD particularly when unwell.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Cited by
1 articles.
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