Impact of COVID-19 on asthma and COPD patients’ hospital care: a lesson for future pandemics

Abstract

Preventive measure for COVID-19 spread have dramatically affected patients with chronic diseases worldwide, including asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the associated lockdown on the medical care provision of asthma/COPD patients in Jordan. The healthcare behaviours and perceptions of these patients regarding the outbreak were also investigated. A population-based cohort study was conducted on asthma/COPD patients seeking medical care during 2019–2021 at a tertiary hospital in Jordan. Patients were interviewed by phone call, their medical files were also accessed. Demographics, clinical information, and those related to healthcare access (clinic visits, hospital admissions, and emergency room [ER] visits), exacerbation management and medication adherence were all collected. A total of 371 cases were identified, the majority (65.2%) were asthmatics. The most (76.3%) were not vaccinated (influenza or pneumococcal), none had a written action plan. The study findings showed reduced healthcare utilization (hospital admission and ER visits) during the study period (P < 0.05). Clinic visits also decreased over 2019–2020 (P < 0.05). Accordingly, the pattern of acute exacerbation treatment also changed with fewer antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids administered during the pandemic (P < 0.05). Medication adherence was relatively low (14.6%–17.25%). Telemedicine was not provided during the study period. The study demonstrated disruption in healthcare utilization. There is need for better preparedness for future pandemics to maintain the routine medical care services. Telemedicine should be introduced as part of healthcare systems. Efforts are still needed to optimize medication adherence in Jordan. Future research is needed to better address COVID-19 impact on chronic patients.