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Published on: November 7, 2020
Hemodialysis during Lockdown Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Eastern Saudi Arabia
Ahmed M Alkhunaizi1, Samir H Al-Mueilo2, Marwan M Atiyah3
1Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Saudi Arabia
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The first case of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in Qatif, Saudi Arabia, in March 2020.
- Qatif experienced a two-month lockdown to curb COVID-19 transmission.
- Hemodialysis (HD) provision during lockdown presented unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the experience of providing hemodialysis (HD) to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during a COVID-19 lockdown.
- To identify and discuss the challenges faced by healthcare facilities, providers, and patients during this period.
- To offer insights for mitigating difficulties in similar future public health crises.
Main Methods:
- The study reflects on the practical arrangements and operational adjustments made for HD services during the lockdown.
- It involves a qualitative discussion of the challenges encountered by all stakeholders.
- Lessons learned from the Qatif experience are analyzed.
Main Results:
- Swift arrangements were necessary to ensure continuity of care for ESRD patients requiring HD.
- Significant challenges were encountered by healthcare facilities, healthcare providers, and patients.
- The experience highlighted the need for adaptable healthcare strategies during pandemics.
Conclusions:
- Providing essential medical services like hemodialysis during a pandemic lockdown requires careful planning and rapid adaptation.
- Addressing the multifaceted challenges is crucial for maintaining patient care and supporting healthcare workers.
- This experience provides valuable lessons for managing renal replacement therapy during public health emergencies.
Abstract:
The first case of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was confirmed in the city of Qatif in March 2020. As a result, Qatif was placed under lockdown for two months in an attempt to prevent the widespread of COVID-19. Doing hemodialysis (HD) during lockdown was a new and challenging experience that we recently have faced. Swift arrangements were made to accommodate patients with end-stage renal disease in need for HD. The challenges to healthcare facilities, healthcare providers, and patients are discussed with the hope that this experience would help mitigate some of the difficulties healthcare providers may face in a similar situation.
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