Preventive steps implemented on geriatric services in the primary health care centers during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the delivery of medical care across the world.  The objective of the study is to understand and document the preventive steps implemented on geriatric services in the primary health care centers during COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study carried on geriatric services utilization (Geriatric clinic- osteoporosis clinic - Memory and dementia clinic) in primary health care centers in Dubai Health Authority in 2020.

RESULTS

The study showed that the overall in person visits for all geriatric service in 2020 declined by almost 70%. The total number of telephone consultations in geriatric clinics, osteoporosis clinics and memory clinics were 1479, 1149 and 104 respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic had led to a reduction in most of the geriatric services including outpatient clinics, screening and referral. Telephone consultation provided a foundation for delivery of the service.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reflected the potential for telehealth services to bring benefits and convenience to the geriatric population, even after the end of the pandemic.