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The impact of COVID-19 on rheumatology practice across Africa

Richard O Akintayo1, Akpabio A Akpabio2, Asgar A Kalla3

  • 1Rheumatology Department, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries, UK.

Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|October 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered rheumatology care in Africa, increasing virtual consultations. Regional disparities in protocols and registries became more evident, impacting service delivery.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
  • Rheumatology services in Africa faced disruptions, necessitating adaptation in care delivery models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology service delivery across Africa's five regions.
  • To identify changes in clinical practices and the adoption of new care modalities.

Main Methods:

  • An online survey was developed by the COVID-19 African Rheumatology Study Group, comprising 40 questions.
  • The survey targeted rheumatologists across Africa, adhering to the CHERRIES checklist for reporting internet e-surveys.
  • A total of 554 responses were collected from 20 countries.

Main Results:

  • Teleconsultation adoption varied, with telephone (60.5%) and WhatsApp (43.5%) being most common.
  • Face-to-face clinics continued for 52.9% of rheumatologists, often with reduced physical examinations or personal protective equipment.
  • Only 57.0% of national rheumatology societies issued COVID-19 recommendations, and 13.2% had a national registry.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards virtual rheumatology consultations in Africa.
  • Significant regional disparities exist in the availability of local protocols and COVID-19 registries for rheumatology care.
Abstract

Keywords:
AfricaCOVID-19DMARDrheumatic and musculoskeletal diseasesrheumatologytelemedicine

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