There is no doubt that the current coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on Australia’s healthcare and hospital system, as well as affecting our economic sector and influencing our day-to-day life and activities. However, a lesser-known consequence of covid-19, which has become apparent in recent months, is that of the fall in patients seeking medical care for their other health needs.
A recent study has revealed that respiratory specialists and lung cancer experts have experienced a 50% decrease in referrals from GPs during the covid-19 pandemic.1 Additionally, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in NSW experienced a 25% drop in cancer patient referrals during the month of April2. Moreover, the pathology sector of Australia has observed a 50% decrease in routine testing2. This drop in referrals and routine testing has created serious concern among healthcare professionals that there will individuals living with un-diagnosed health conditions.
At Sydney Spine Surgery, the average age of patients seen by Dr Atkinson decreased by 10 years from January to June of this year. As such, Dr Atkinson remains concerned that elderly patients are not seeking care during this current pandemic.
As healthcare professionals, it is our job to re-assure our patients that you are safe in our care. Dr Atkinson is urging her patients to arrange for a consultation, as it is important that we do not neglect our other health needs during this time.
If you want more information about attending appointments during the pandemic, be sure to check out our recent blog post: ‘Staying Covid Safe When Attending Appointments’ for details on how we are working to keep our patients safe.
[1] IQVIA, Medibus 2020 cited in Lung Foundation Australia 2020, ‘Don’t Wait. Investigate’, Available at: https://lungfoundation.com.au/news/dont-wait-investigate/#_ftnref1
[2] Cunningham, M 2020, ‘Fears seriously ill people going unchecked as cancer referrals plummet’, Sydney Morning Herald, Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/fears-seriously-ill-people-going-unchecked-as-cancer-referrals-plummet-20200426-p54n95.html
