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A systematic review of the neglect of non-COVID patients amidst COVID pandemic

Priyanka Mishra, Amborish Nath, Surbhi Sharma, Ajit Kumar

Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports, 2021

Abstract

The rapidly evolving health concern for COVID-19 has considerably overshadowed the non-COVID ailments. Ranging from delays in diagnosis and treatment, neglect of mild-moderate diseases resulting into their progression, adverse pregnancy outcomes and many others, an array of the collateral damage of this pandemic is still evolving. We have performed this systematic review about the impact of COVID pandemic on patients suffering from other ailments. Our search was conducted through PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar databases. We included systematic reviews and meta- analysis, and randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case series and case reports to ensure comprehensiveness of our search. We excluded abstract only articles, news articles, the non-scientific commentaries and reports from the review. Primary outcome was assessment of the impact of COVID pandemic on non-COVID diseases and management strategies for tackling the same. This review showed that this crisis has resulted into a significant delay in routine diagnostic procedures and workup with p value < 0.00001 (OR of 0.36; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.55). The highest impacts will be seen with preexisting major health priorities like HIV, tuberculosis, malignancy, various non-communicable diseases, reproductive and child health. The chief culprits for this include inadequate supplies of medicines, healthcare staff, diagnostics and other technologies. Expansion of the health care workforce, enhanced health…

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