Pandemic concerns impacts treatment of Non-Covid patients: NATHEALTH Survey

New Delhi: NATHEALTH, healthcare industry body on Wednesday announced release of a report on the “Impact of Covid-19 on patient behaviour towards accessing healthcare facilities.” The report highlights some significant findings of a survey conducted to understand patient readiness to return to their routine hospital visits and treatments. The survey found that more than half of the participants had cancelled or postponed/rescheduled their treatment plan due to the anxiety related to healthcare facilities access amidst the pandemic while 62% of them stated that their health condition has been negatively impacted because of this.

This survey was conducted in Jan-Feb 2021 with a sample size of 2134 patients from across India's metros. The participants of the survey had different treatment needs including planned elective surgeries, hospital inpatient department (IPD) support and frequent doctor visits in the hospital OPDs.

The key findings of the report stated that all elective surgery patients, 34% of OPD patients and 57% of all surveyed participants had cancelled or postponed/rescheduled their treatment plan during Mar-Dec 2020 Period. The survey found that of those patients who cancelled or postponed their treatment, 62% believed that their health condition has been negatively impacted, 82% have plans for returning to their treatment plan by June 2021 and 95% wanted to continue their treatment with the same hospital.

According to the survey, 2% patients who had cancelled or postponed their treatment had switched to Home Healthcare services while 98% patients had medically managed their condition at home with doctor’s advice.

The survey also found that 50% patients had been engaged in tele-consultations with their healthcare providers during the complete lockdown phase.

To mitigate the repercussions Pandemic has on non-covid patients' treatment, the report suggested that the health industry should adopt data intelligence algorithm processes to prioritise patient profiles. Furthermore, according to the report, zero contact consultations must be made common and patients who require in-person appointments should be marked out to restore their confidence.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Harsh Mahajan, President, NATHEALTH and Founder & Chief Radiologist, Mahajan Imaging, said, “In the last few weeks, continued focus on Covid tests and treatments have reduced attention on noncommunicable diseases, non-Covid surgeries, treatments and consultations by private healthcare providers. It is vital for healthcare delivery centers to communicate to patients to not delay their treatment and avail non-Covid services related to tests, screenings and consultations."

"A delay will only lead to further health complications in the midst of the ongoing pandemic by resulting in another catastrophe. Patients must be made aware that they can opt for e-consults and professional at home healthcare services. According to the survey, only 2% patients have opted for it. Furthermore, doctor’s advice must be sought regularly through teleconsultations,” he added.