Patients’ experiences of stroke outpatient care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
- Author:
Dasavanh Bounmany
1
;
Souphaphone Louangdouangsithidet
1
;
Bouavanh Pathoumthong
2
;
Mayfong Mayxay
3
Author Information
- Collective Name:LMJ
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, Experiences of stroke patients, OPD care service.
- From:Lao Medical Journal 2024;15(15):49-58
- CountryLao People's Democratic Republic
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: :Stroke is the first leading cause of death in Lao PDR. In the last ten years, deaths as a result of stroke have increased by 19.5 %. We hypothesized that the global COVID-19 pandemic caused people living with non-communicable diseases to become more vulnerable to becoming severely ill or dying, with a delayed presentation to the Emergency Department and increased stroke severity.
Objectives: :To understand the experience for the care service in outpatient department (OPD) visits of patients with stroke before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in Lao, PDR.
Methodology: :We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with stroke who were followed up at the Stroke OPD clinics in three central hospitals from April to October 2023 to explore their experiences of care before and during the pandemic.
Results: :Among 294 patients, 59.9% were male, and the mean age was 59.5 years (SD 11.9). Almost all (96.9%) of them had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Most (68.4%) reported that they had been affected by factors related to the pandemic when they attended OPD clinics (process/steps of service, number of staff, communication, and social distancing). Participants reported they most valued being seen by a specialist at their follow-up appointments. When comparing the service before and during the pandemic, they noted that staff numbers went down during COVID-19. They were also obliged to test for COVID-19 before appointments. To improve the service in a similar situation in the future, they recommended better communication and health education by using posters and having a process to fix a queue.
Conclusion: :Stroke services need to consider pandemic preparedness to optimize service delivery for patients in a future pandemic situation. - Full text:2026030311560062716ບົດທີ 05. SR_Dasavanh Bounmany-Manuscript_Eng (Format LMJ_15)_Ver.2.pdf
