Rheumatology nursing and COVID19: First wave experiences

Cano Garcia, L.; Garcia Diaz, S.; Fernandez-Sanchez, S. P.; Domínguez-Quesada, C.; Ordoñez Cañizares, M. D. C.; Martín Martín, J. M.

Objectives: To know the impact of the first wave of COVID19 (March to June 2020) in the nursing activity in rheumatology and explore improvements in patient care during the pandemic situation. Methods: 2 surveys were sent to nurses working in the rheumatology area (Both in the Outpatient department and day care unit) during October 2020 in Spain. The first survey had 10 questions about what happened in the rheumatology units in the first wave of the COVID19 pandemic (March to June of 2020) and the second survey had 10 questions about the standards of quality of nursing care in times of pandemic. Google forms were used to collect and analyze data. Results: 32 nurses completed the survey (30 women (93.8%)) with an average age of 49.6 ± 10.2 years. 93.8% work in the outpatient clinics and 2(6.2%) in day care units. The main results of the effects of the first wave of the pandemic are as follow: 4(12.5%) nurses were transferred to other areas of the hospital, 27(84.4%) showed changes in their care activity;and in 12(37,5%) of the surveyed centers, (slightly less than half of the medical staff) left their usual activity to care for COVID-19 patients. In June 2020, at the end of the first wave, 17(53.1%) reported more decompensated patients and 22(68.8%) reported that they had both telephone and face-to-face consultations;15(46.9%) reported that their clinical activity had increased. Regarding the standards of quality during the pandemia: 27(84.4%) believed that rheumatology units should be strengthened,31(96.9%) reported the need to carry out COVID educational campaigns in rheumatic patients and 30(100%) stated that nursing education should lead that education;31(96.7%) believed that telephone consultation should be on demand and by telephone, 25 (78.1%) considered it necessary to include video calls and the possibility of receiving reports in non-face to face care and photos. Finally, 23(71.9%) centers recorded nursing and medical telephone consultations in their medical records. Conclusion: The pandemic had a huge impact on nursing care for rheumatic patients, with difficulties associated with extra work load and changes in the dynamics of care. A readjustment of assistance has been necessary and audiovisual aids were necessary to improve telephone (non face to face) service.