The greatest problem for patients with rheumatic diseases in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic was access to healthcare. 58% of rheumatologist appointments were cancelled during the pandemic. Of these, 54% were offered a virtual or telephone consultation while 35% were given no alternative.
These are some of the data from the REUMAVID study that Professor Marco Garrido Cumbrera provided in an interview with the Italian media Morfologie Online, conducted by journalist Serena Mingolla.
During the interview, Professor Marco Garrido explained the methodology and results of the REUMAVID study. The research is the first at international level to provide an assessment of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology patients, taking into account multiple aspects: access to healthcare and treatment, physical and psychological health, wellbeing and lifestyle, access to information and support services.
Supported by 14 patient organisations in Europe, in Italy it was the APMARR association that was responsible for the dissemination of the survey, reaching 1,800 Europeans with rheumatic diseases.
You can watch the full interview at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An0iAKDHb7w&feature=youtu.ben
