The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare services and rheumatology staff were redeployed to the frontline. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of rheumatology services as viewed by rheumatologists in the UK. Survey monkey questionnaire weblink was sent to 804 clinicians including consultant rheumatologists, speciality trainees, nurse specialists, and allied health professionals in 4 regions of the UK to evaluate personal effects of COVID-19 and redeployment, impact on current out-patient clinic activity, immunosuppressive drug use, and future rheumatology care. Response rate was 21%. One-fifth of the responders reported that their rheumatology departments were functioning less than 50% capacity during the pandemic. Two-third of responders felt anxious about the ill-effects of COVID-19 on their health and well-being, and one-third of them were redeployed. During the peak of the pandemic, 75% of clinicians stopped intravenous biologics. Although access to video consultation was available for up to three-fourths of the clinicians, the majority (90%) used this modality in less than 1 in 4 consultations. This survey highlights rheumatologists' perception in the delivery of future care and anxiety they faced. As demonstrated by this survey, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance did not influence clinician decision making in some aspects of patient care. Underutilization of tele-rheumatology in this survey should be considered whilst planning the restoration of rheumatology services in the post-COVID era. Key points • COVID-19 has generated significant concerns among rheumatology community about their mental well-being. • In over 50% of cases, rheumatologists stopped IV biologic drugs as per patients' wishes during the first wave of the pandemic. • Tele-rheumatology has been used more widely during the pandemic, but the extent of its use in the post-COVID era is less clear. Evolving evidence will determine its future wider use.
Keywords: Biologics; COVID-19; Pandemic; Surveys and questionnaires; Tele-rheumatology.