Journal article
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Access and Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Among Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
A Callisto, D Hansen, J Walker, GS Ngian, D Apostolopoulos, D Liew, V Chand, CL Hill, K Griggs, A Calderone, M Nikpour, J Sahhar, W Stevens, S Proudman
Arthritis Care and Research | Published : 2024
DOI: 10.1002/acr.25239
Abstract
Objective: Regular clinical assessment for complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc) such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is essential for early institution of therapy and improved outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions on health care access of patients with SSc, including screening for PAH. Methods: South Australian and Victorian patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study were surveyed about their perceptions of the impact of the pandemic on mental well-being, access to medications, investigations, and management of SSc. Frequency of annual rheumatology assessments, pulmonary function tests (PFT)..
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Awarded by University of Adelaide
Funding Acknowledgements
The authors thank Ms. Leah McWilliams, Ms. Kathleen Elford, and Ms. Cindy Hall for assistance with patient management and data collection. Open access publishing facilitated by The University of Adelaide, as part of the Wiley - The University of Adelaide agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.