Articles: pandemics.
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The COVID-19 pandemic compelled clinicians to change access to primary health care as face-to-face consultations were a risk to patients and staff. Video consultations (VCs) were frequently substituted as a proxy for a clinical examination. ⋯ While video use overall was low, patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had less access to VCs with their GPs in the initial lockdown, which may have had negative impacts on health. The pandemic was an unprecedented event, and primary care rapidly pivoted to online care. However, to mitigate health inequalities, primary care must implement methods to cater for all patients and minimise the risk of digital health exclusion.
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Remote consulting was rolled out across general practice in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most consultations are carried out safely, there are some cases where remote care may contribute to adverse outcomes. ⋯ Analysis of complaints gives pointers for action on improving awareness and training for GPs and practice teams around risks when consulting remotely.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Jul 2023
UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA BEFORE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN CROATIA - A SINGLE-CENTER STUDY.
The aim of this study was to compare the number of newly diagnosed, histopathologically confirmed cases of urothelial carcinoma before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Zagreb University Hospital Center. We retroactively collected and analyzed 300 histopathologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, at the Department of Pathology and Cytology, Zagreb University Hospital Center. ⋯ Our study is the first study of this type based on the number of newly diagnosed urothelial carcinoma in Croatia. Observing the early period of the pandemic, our results provide important foundation for future monitoring and long-term consequences of the pandemic on the morbidity and mortality of urothelial carcinoma.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Jul 2023
TRENDS IN PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: SINGLE-INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE.
The aim of this study was to compare the number of biopsy and surgical procedures on prostate, as well as the number of newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed cases of prostate cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic at Zagreb University Hospital Center (UHC). We retrospectively collected and processed a total of 1344 histopathologic findings of the prostate at the Zagreb UHC. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first study of this kind that is based on the number of prostate cancer diagnoses in Croatia. By observing the early period of the pandemic, our results provide important guidelines for monitoring and understanding the long-term consequences of the pandemic on the prostate cancer morbidity and mortality.
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General practice experienced significant challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been little exploration of the experiences of nurses working in general practice and the impact on care delivery, job satisfaction, workload, stress and professional support. Understanding these experiences can inform future practice. ⋯ The pandemic has laid bare challenges faced by nurses in general practice. Nurses require specific support to maintain professional wellbeing and to aid retention.