The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital services for patients with cardiac diseases: a scoping review

BackgroundThe repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic concern care in many clinical areas, including cardiology. We aim to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital care for cardiac patients.MethodsScoping review. Performance indicators were extracted and collated to inform on changes in the use of health services and care provided during January - June 2020.ResultsDatabase searches yielded 6277 articles, of which 838 articles met the inclusion criteria during initial screening. After full-text screening, 94 articles were considered for data extraction. In total, 1637 indicators were retrieved, showing large variation in the indicators and their definitions. Most of the indicators that provided information on changes in number of admissions (n=118, 88%) signalled a decrease in admissions; 88% (n=15) of the indicators showed patients’ delayed presentation and 40% (n=54) showed patients in a worse clinical condition. A reduction in diagnostic and treatment procedures was signalled by 95% (n=18) and 81% (n=64) of the indicators reporting on cardiac procedures, respectively. Length of stay decreased in 58% (n=21) of the indicators and acute coronary syndromes treatment times increased in 61% (n=65) of the indicators. Outpatient activity decreased in 94% (n=17) of the indicators related with outpatient care, whereas telehealth utilization increased in 100% (n=6). Outcomes worsened in 40% (n=35) of the indicators, and mortality rates increased in 52% (n=31).ConclusionAll phases of the hospital cardiac care pathway were affected. This information could support the planning of care during the ongoing pandemic and in future events.