Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have impacted patient management on a global level. However, the degree of impact on patient management and prescribing strategy in the fields of rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology is unclear.

Objectives: Assess the impact of COVID-19 on patient management and prescribing strategy across the EU and US, as described by rheumatologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists.

Methods: Data were drawn from physician surveys in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and US between July and December 2020. Physicians completed an online or telephone survey assessing how COVID-19 has impacted type and frequency of consultations; choice and prescription of medication.

Results: 847 physicians took part; 355 rheumatologists, 200 dermatologists (Germany, Spain, UK, and US only), and 282 gastroenterologists. As a result of COVID-19, most physicians stated they have moved at least some patients to video or telephone consultations (70% rheumatologists; 55% dermatologists; 60% gastroenterologists) and reduced overall frequency of consultations with patients (59% rheumatologists; 64% dermatologists; 51% gastroenterologists) ( Table 1 ).

35% of rheumatologists, 22% of dermatologists, and 14% of gastroenterologists described COVID-19 as changing the way they choose and prescribe medication, with differences observed between countries ( Figure 1 ). Of those who stated they have made medication changes, rheumatologists stated changing medication to self-administration (62%) and not starting new patients on an advanced therapy (biologic DMARD or targeted synthetic DMARD) (58%) as most frequent. Dermatologists stated changes include changing treatment to more COVID-appropriate treatment (71%) and prescribing repeat prescriptions more regularly without consultation (56%). Gastroenterologists stated changes include changing medication to self-administration (55%) and prescribing a longer course of medication (48%).

Comparing across countries, for all specialties, the greatest changes were observed in the UK followed by Spain, with least changes in Germany and Italy.

Conclusion: There have been changes in the process of how healthcare is delivered, although treatment prescription was impacted to a lesser extent than consultation type and frequency. This varies across geographies, which may be due to differences in reported prevalence of COVID-19. Differences are also observed across specialities, which may be due to guidance received from specialty bodies. It is unknown what the long-term impact of changes in the management of patients due to COVID-19 will be on patient outcomes, satisfaction, engagement and adherence, and further research is needed.

Figure 1.

Proportion of rheumatologists, dermatologists, and gastroenterologists reporting changing the way they choose and prescribe medication as a result of COVID-19

Disclosure of Interests: None declared.