Jassim Nizar Abdulateef, Yasiry Dina, Hummadi Yasameen Abbass
Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq.
Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2020 Sep 21;31(Suppl 2):299-303. doi: 10.31138/mjr.31.3.299. eCollection 2020 Sep.
The current crisis COVID-19 has affected the already challenging management of rheumatic diseases. Since no evidence-based approach is yet available, this survey was conducted to explore the Iraqi rheumatologists' attitude in the era of COVID-19 and how they have been managing their patients, especially with the continuously updating and sometimes conflicting reports.
A cross-sectional survey was distributed online via telephone and social media to rheumatologists in Iraq. A questionnaire was conducted about methods of patient education, preventive measures, and methods of arranging visits and treatment. In addition, an inquiry about the similarity of the practice between their local institutions and global ones.
144 rheumatologists answered the 14 obligatory questions, of which the majority were specialists. 122 rheumatologists participated in patient education. Half of participants used online information, social media and websites as a source to communicate and interact with their patients for education about COVID-19-related issues.
Despite the lack of solid guidelines regarding the management of rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 crisis, this survey showed the majority of Iraqi rheumatologists to be familiar with the updating recommendations. Also, as the majority are waiting for stronger evidence before attempting to embrace controversial issues, surely this reflects a responsible and scientific attitude.
当前的新冠疫情影响了本就颇具挑战的风湿病管理。由于尚无基于证据的方法，本次调查旨在探究伊拉克风湿病学家在新冠疫情时代的态度，以及他们如何管理患者，尤其是面对不断更新且有时相互矛盾的报告时。
通过电话和社交媒体在线向伊拉克的风湿病学家发放了一份横断面调查问卷。问卷涉及患者教育方法、预防措施以及安排就诊和治疗的方法。此外，还询问了他们当地机构与全球机构在实践方面的相似性。
144名风湿病学家回答了14个必答题，其中大多数是专科医生。122名风湿病学家参与了患者教育。一半的参与者使用在线信息、社交媒体和网站作为与患者沟通和互动的来源，以进行新冠相关问题的教育。
尽管在新冠疫情危机期间，关于风湿病管理缺乏可靠的指南，但本次调查显示，大多数伊拉克风湿病学家熟悉不断更新的建议。此外，由于大多数人在尝试接受有争议的问题之前等待更有力的证据，这无疑反映了一种负责任和科学的态度。
