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Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare service utilization among elderly patients at Sunpasitthipasong Hospital |
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| รหัสดีโอไอ | |
| Creator | Anyamanee Lapmag |
| Title | Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare service utilization among elderly patients at Sunpasitthipasong Hospital |
| Contributor | Peerawat Jinatongthai, Khanittha Khaisaeng, Thanwarat Thirakhot, Sisira Donsamak |
| Publisher | Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences KKU MSU UBU |
| Publication Year | 2568 |
| Journal Title | Isan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Journal Vol. | 21 |
| Journal No. | 1 |
| Page no. | 16-30 |
| Keyword | healthcare service utilization, elderly, COVID-19, coronavirus disease pandemic |
| URL Website | https://tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IJPS |
| Website title | Isan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IJPS |
| ISSN | 19050852 |
| Abstract | The elderly are a group that experiences high rates of illness and therefore require regular healthcare services. However, when there was an outbreak of COVID-19 in Thailand, it can impact on their ability to access healthcare services and clinical outcomes. Objectives: To analyze the rate of healthcare service utilization and clinical outcomes of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the outbreak. Methodology: We conducted interrupted time series (ITS) analyses, calculating the Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) and a 95% confidence interval. Using healthcare service utilization data from patients aged 60 and above who accessed outpatient and inpatient services from January 19, 2015 to December 31, 2021 at Sunpasitthiprasong hospital, Ubon Ratchathani. The data were obtained from an electronic medical record database. Results: All 137,525 patient's data were collected. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the number of patients and the number of visits of elderly patients who accessed out-patient services, but there was no statistically significant difference compared to the pre-pandemic period (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 0.99-1.08 and IRR 0.99; 95% CI 0.94-1.05, respectively). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients and the number of visits of elderly patients who received inpatient services during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (IRR 1.13; 95% CI 1.07-1.19 and IRR 1.13; 95% CI 1.07-1.19, respectively). Regarding clinical outcomes, the in-hospital mortality rate among elderly patients significantly increased during the outbreak compared to the pre-outbreak period, particularly among those aged 6064 years and patients under the Universal Health Coverage scheme. Overall, the 30-day hospital readmission rate remained unchanged. However, subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in readmission rates among patients covered by the Social Security Scheme and other healthcare benefit programs. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in hospital admissions among the elderly, along with higher in-hospital mortality rates, particularly among those aged 6064 years and patients under the Universal Health Coverage scheme. |
