Accessing health services for musculoskeletal diseases during early COVID-19 lockdown: Results from a UK population survey

摘要

Sir, restricting the spread of COVID-19 in the UK required radical changes to the structure of society and the delivery of health care. This has the potential for wide-ranging adverse consequences for people with musculoskeletal diseases. For the period between 23 March and 1 August 2020, those determined to be most at risk were required to ‘shield’ at home, avoiding all social contact. Primary and secondary care services postponed or cancelled non-urgent appointments. Remote consultations were provided by telephone or video [1]. The public were encouraged only to use health-care services for urgent needs. Local pharmacies, although remaining open, reported reduced patient consultations. Non-National Health Service (NHS) providers of musculoskeletal health services, including physiotherapists and podiatrists, closed [2].