OBJECTIVES : Patients with Chronic Medical Conditions (CMC) require regular access to healthcare professionals and are often under long-term treatments. Even though the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are diminishing, they may still affect CMC patients’ clinical outcomes. The present study aims to assess these lasting impacts.

METHODS : This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted online on the Carenity platform from December 7th, 2020 to April 8th, 2021. It included adult patients from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, living with any CMC.

RESULTS : 3,359 CMC patients were included in the study, 72% woman, mean age 55 years old, most frequently affected by type 2 diabetes (20%), asthma (16%) or multiple sclerosis (15%). Medical consultations were still strongly impacted: 33% had theirs rescheduled or cancelled since September 2020, and 34% of patients consulted their doctor less frequently as compared to before the pandemic. Of the 21% who were using a wearable device or health application on a daily basis to monitor their condition, 56% changed the way they used it. During the crisis, 42% used teleconsultation, especially in Spain (60%) and the United Kingdom (58%). Only 47% of them intend to use it after the health crisis. Patients still report experiencing impacts on their well-being: Patients reported feeling worse than before the pandemic (48% physically, 62% psychologically). 49% of patients reported they needed more information, on the risks linked to vaccination in their specific situation (93%) or to their condition or treatment (84%). 59% also would like to be better aware of their eligibility for the vaccine, especially in Germany (81%).

CONCLUSIONS : The COVID-19-induced lockdown has changed CMC patients’ care pathway. Consequences still last, and will impact patients on the long run. Special attention should be paid to CMC patients to avoid them becoming the collateral victims of the pandemic.