Delay or Avoidance of Medical Care – The Culprit – COVID-19

Angie SzumlinskiStudies

Temporary disruptions in routine and non-emergency medical care access and delivery have been observed during periods of considerable community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, per the CDC, medical care delay or avoidance might increase morbidity and mortality risk associated with treatable and preventable health conditions and might contribute to reported excess deaths directly or indirectly related to COVID-19.

As of June 30, 2020, an estimated 41% of U.S. adults reported having delayed or avoided medical care during the pandemic because of concerns about COVID-19, including 12% who reported having avoided urgent or emergency care. Further exploration of underlying reasons for medical care avoidance is needed, including among persons with disabilities, persons with underlying health conditions, unpaid caregivers for adults, and those who face structural inequities.

Remember, we are caregivers, the providers of care for those who can’t care for themselves. If at the end of the day, we are unable to perform our care duties due to our own illness, imagine the domino effect for our residents. Please, take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and seek medical care when needed!

Stay well, stay safe and stay tuned!