Consequences of delayed care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Emerging research and new lines of inquiry for human biologists and anthropologists

Abstract

Objective Research regarding ongoing epidemic or pandemic events is often proximate, focusing on the immediate need to understand the epidemiology of the outbreak and the populations at highest risk for negative outcomes. There are other characteristics of pandemics that can only be uncovered after time has passed, and some long‐lasting health consequences may not be directly linked to infection with or disease from the pandemic pathogen itself. Methods We discuss the emerging literature on observations delayed care during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the potential population health consequences of this phenomenon in postpandemic years, especially for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reproductive health. Results Delayed care has occurred for various conditions since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, but the drivers for those delays have yet to be thoroughly investigated. While delayed care can be either voluntary or involuntary, the determinants of delayed care often intersect with systemic inequalities that are important to understand for pandemic responses and future preparedness. Conclusion Human biologists and anthropologists are well poised to lead the research on postpandemic population health consequences of delayed care.

Enhancing patient outcomes: Integrating electronic cardiology consultation in primary care for cancer patients

“…Timely access to care has become a key performance indicator for healthcare systems. Many studies have reported significant increases in overall waiting times during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the effects of this disruption have persisted 22–24 . However, the prognostic impact of COVID‐19 on patient outcomes following disrupted outpatient care for those referred by PCPs for cardiology consultation has not been systematically evaluated.…”

An extended period of elevated influenza mortality risk follows the main waves of influenza pandemics

“…Furthermore, excess mortality puts substantial pressure on public health systems, as observed both historically and during COVID-19 (e.g. van Doren and Brown, 2023 ), leading to delays in treatment of other illnesses, or reductions in resources available for prevention and cure.…”

“…Historically, influenza pandemics have given rise to periods of drastically increased mortality. These sharp increases have had important implications for individuals via increased mortality and health risk, as well as for wider society through restrictions, pressure on healthcare systems, and economic effects ( Cohn, 2007 ; Dewitte and Wissler, 2022 ; Maffly-Kipp et al, 2021 ; Neelsen and Stratmann, 2012 ; Ogasawara, 2017 ; Patterson and Pyle, 1991 ; Reid, 2005 ; Shaw-Taylor, 2020 ; van Doren and Brown, 2023 ; Zuijderduijn and De Moor, 2013 ). The health and socioeconomic effects of pandemics have been shown to act unequally across the population, leading to concerns that pandemics might amplify pre-existing inequalities, having the worst effects on the most vulnerable groups in society ( Clay et al, 2019 ; Connor et al, 2020 ; Dewitte and Wissler, 2022 ; Grantz et al, 2016 ; Mamelund, 2006 , 2018 ; Marmot and Allen, 2020 ).…”