Preventive Steps Implemented on Geriatric Services in the Primary Health Care Centers during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the delivery of medical care across the world. The objective of the study is to understand and document the preventive steps implemented on geriatric services in the primary health care centers during COVID-19 pandemic. Design and Methods: This is a retrospective study carried on geriatric services utilization (Geriatric clinic- osteoporosis clinic – Memory and dementia clinic) in primary health care centers in Dubai Health Authority in 2020.Results: The study showed that the overall in person visits for all geriatric service in 2020 declined by almost 70%. The total number of telephone consultations in geriatric clinics, osteoporosis clinics and memory clinics were 1479, 1149 and 104 respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic had led to a reduction in most of the geriatric services including outpatient clinics, screening and referral. Telephone consultation provided a foundation for delivery of the service.Conclusion: This study reflected the potential for telehealth services to bring benefits and convenience to the geriatric population, even after the end of the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Osteoporosis Screening using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

“…Similarly, Cromer et al (2021) noted that their Bone Density Center in Boston, Massachusetts closed from mid-March to early June 2020, resulting in a 40% decline in DXA studies during the pandemic [14]. Similar findings were reported in Norway and Dubai [18,19]. Unlike the previous studies, there was no complete cessation of DXA studies at our institution.…”

Dispensing anti-osteoporotic drugs changed during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…A forty percent reduction in diagnosis of osteoporosis during COVID-19 was reported by Sisó-Almirall et al [21] . In Dubai, geriatric in-patient services, including care of osteoporosis patients, declined by 70 % and the average number of DXA scans per month declined by 58.4 % [22] . Consequently screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis did not take place and patient visits were partly supplemented by telemedicine [22] .…”

“…In Dubai, geriatric in-patient services, including care of osteoporosis patients, declined by 70 % and the average number of DXA scans per month declined by 58.4 % [22] . Consequently screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis did not take place and patient visits were partly supplemented by telemedicine [22] . Education programmes and self-administration, especially of denosumab, as well as telemedicine appointments has been suggested as a valuable new tool for patient care [23] , [24] .…”