| Title: | A single center audit of access to healthcare and disease monitoring in patients diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. |
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| Author(s): | L Carey S Comerford H Mulryan S Walsh A O' Regan |
| Institution: | University Hospital Galway |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | ILD |
| Abstract: | A single center audit of access to healthcare and disease monitoring in patients diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Authors: Liam Carey 1,2, Siadbh Comerford1, Helen Mulryan1,2, Sinead Walsh1,2, Anthony O Regan1,2,3. Affiliations: 1. University Hospital Galway. 2. National University of Ireland Galway. 3. Royal College of Physicians Ireland. Abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating condition that carries a prognosis worse than that of many cancers1. The aim of this audit was to quantify reduced access to healthcare in IPF during the COIVD pandemic. This was a single center review of the care patients with IPF received in the year 2020 in comparison to the year prior 2019. There was no significant difference in the average planned interval follow up between 2019 and 2020 (P=0.316). The actual interval follow up was on average 4 months longer in 2020 than in the year preceding (P=0.007). Patients were on average seen once less per year (P=0.003). When seen in 2020, they were more likely to be seen virtually (P<0.001). In 2020, patients were less likely to receive pulmonary function tests (P=0.001) and 6 minute walks tests (P=0.042) than in 2019. On average, patients received less serum aminotransferase monitoring in 2020 with 2.8 (CI 1.693, 3.886) being performed in comparison to 4.4 (CI 2.5, 6.3) (P=0.48). In conclusion, structured timely follow up is essential for IPF. We have demonstrated the effect of COVID 19 on these pathways. The effect on disease outcome will require monitoring going forward. References: 1. Maher, T. M., Wells, A. U. & Laurent, G. J. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Multiple causes and multiple mechanisms? European Respiratory Journal vol. 30 835–839 (2007). |
