RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rheumatology practice amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: a pragmatic view
JF RMD Open
JO RMD Open
FD EULAR
SP e001314
DO 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001314
VO 6
IS 2
A1 Romão, Vasco C
A1 Cordeiro, Inês
A1 Macieira, Carla
A1 Oliveira-Ramos, Filipa
A1 Romeu, José Carlos
A1 Rosa, Carlos Miranda
A1 Saavedra, Maria João
A1 Saraiva, Fernando
A1 Vieira-Sousa, Elsa
A1 Fonseca, João Eurico
YR 2020
UL http://rmdopen.bmj.com/content/6/2/e001314.abstract
AB The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has come with many challenges for healthcare providers and patients alike. In addition to the direct burden it has placed on societies and health systems, it had a significant impact in the care of patients with chronic diseases, as healthcare resources were deployed to fight the crisis, and major travel and social restrictions were adopted. In the field of rheumatology, this has required notable efforts from departments and clinicians to adapt to the novel status quo and assure the follow-up of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. In the present viewpoint, we provide a practical approach to tackle this reality. Key measures include setting up preventive team management strategies, optimising communication with patients and reorganising patient care in all its dimensions. We then anticipate the nuances of rheumatology practice as restrictive measures are progressively lifted, while an effective vaccine is still pending. This includes the need to reimpose the same strategy as further waves unfold. Finally, we look ahead and address the lessons we can incorporate into post-COVID-19 rheumatology.