Abstract: Aim: Building a Global Perspective on the Vulnerability of Chronic Patients to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Method: This systematic integrative review harmonized findings from both developed and developing countries concerning the vulnerability of chronic patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Searches were conducted using the Web of Science, Scopus, and Social Science Citation, focusing on articles published from late 2019 to early 2023. The search yielded 333 articles, of which 24 were selected after rigorous application of the selection criteria. The review adhered to the 17-item PRISMA-P checklist and utilized the Critical Appraisal Skills Programmed (CASP) to measure the methodological quality, ensuring a rigorous methodological standard.
Findings and Discussion: The effects of Covid-19 on chronic patients were synthesized into five themes and accompanying sub-themes: Health System Weaknesses: Chronic patients faced increased risks in developing countries due to pre-existing health system vulnerabilities. Patient Behavior: The behaviors of chronic patients also contributed to their increased susceptibility to Covid-19. Diagnostic Challenges: Possible incorrect diagnostics occurred, with laboratories being overwhelmed or malfunctioning during the pandemic. Treatment Delays: Chronic patients faced treatment delays as ICU equipment in developing countries became overbooked, and ICU beds were scarce. Policy Implications: The over-concentration of resources on controlling the pandemic had adverse consequences for chronic patients and other vulnerable groups.
Recommendations: The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on health delivery, disproportionately affecting chronic patients. Evidence has shown that these patients were neglected during the outbreak, revealing the inadequacy of the existing response to chronic health issues in a crisis. While policy directives focused on controlling the pandemic, these often-had detrimental implications for chronic patients and other vulnerable populations.
Several recommendations have been made on the treatment of chronic patients during outbreaks, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive and empathetic approach. Furthermore, there is a need for studies examining post-pandemic health delivery patterns for chronic patients, ensuring that the lessons learned from this crisis inform future health policies and practices.
This review sheds light on the complex interplay between the Covid-19 pandemic and the care of chronic patients. A multifaceted approach that recognizes the unique needs of these patients is vital for enhancing resilience and preparedness in future health crises. Policymakers and healthcare providers must consider these insights carefully to design more effective, compassionate, and inclusive strategies for managing chronic patients during pandemics.
Keywords: Covid-19; Chronic Patients; Systematic Integrative Review; Vulnerability to Covid-19 Pandemic; Covid-19 Restrictions.
Title: Harnessing Evidence of Effects of Covid-19 and Recommendations for Mitigating the Impacts of Pandemic on Chronic Patients: A Systematic Integrative Review
Author: KOLOG STEPHEN DOKROUG, LINDA HYDE-QUARTEY, AHOTOVI THOMAS AHOTO
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 11, Issue 1, April 2023 - September 2023
Page No: 216-227
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 16-August-2023
