Clinical rheumatology
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Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2020
Multicenter StudyThe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice: a cross-sectional multinational study.
To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on rheumatology practice. ⋯ The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice may compromise rheumatic diseases control. Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are recommended to improve the practice. Key Points • The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the rheumatology practice, including access to outpatient clinic, hospitalization, and to anchor drugs. • The compromised access to rheumatology care may jeopardize the control of chronic rheumatic diseases and the long-term prognosis. • Better access to drugs and providing telemedicine platforms are strongly recommended.