Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of patients with cardiovascular disease in Australia: mixed-methods study

ObjectivesThe study explored the perceived impacts of COVID-19 and its associated policies and social restrictions on health, self-management and access to healthcare.DesignCross-sectional observational (online survey) and qualitative study (semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis).SettingAustralia.ParticipantsPeople with self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or risk factors.ResultsSurvey responses were collected from 690 participants (43.8% women, 40.1% over 65 years). Participants reported that their heart health had been affected by the pandemic (26.3%), were less likely to exercise (47.1%), have a healthy diet (25.9%) and take medications (9.4%). A large proportion were admitted to hospital (46.2%) and presented to the emergency department (40.6%). Difficulties in accessing healthcare providers (53.2%) and use of telemedicine (63.6%) were reported. We conducted 16 semi-structured interviews and identified five key themes: adding burden in seeking medical care, impediments in accessing a readjusted health system, exacerbating vulnerability and distress, coping with self-management and adapting to telehealth.ConclusionsPatients with CVD expressed an additional burden in seeking medical care and difficulties navigating a readjusted health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Associated policies and access issues heightened vulnerabilities and distress, making self-management of health difficult for patients with CVD.