COVID-19 and Continuity of Care - Continuing to Seek Medical Care: A Public Health Imperative
CP_continuite_soin_070520.pdf
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Press Contacts
Ministry of Solidarity and Health
Presse-dgs@sante.gouv.fr
Public Health France
presse@santepubliquefrance.fr
Health Insurance
presse.cnam@assurance-maladie.fr
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to stay on top of your health and seek medical care without delay. However, since the start of the lockdown, there has been a concerning decline in healthcare utilization across France.
That is why the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, the National Health Insurance, and Santé publique France are urging patients not to postpone the care they need, despite the current health situation.
This recommendation applies particularly to vulnerable individuals such as infants and pregnant women. Thus, children must continue to be vaccinated, and women must continue to receive prenatal care, regardless of the stage of their pregnancy, which includes undergoing the three required ultrasounds. As for people with chronic illnesses, they must continue taking their usual medications and not postpone the medical appointments and tests that have been prescribed for them.
Whether you are in a fragile condition requiring special care or simply need to see a doctor… do not hesitate to contact your doctor to schedule an appointment:
by using telemedicine whenever possible;
by visiting in person: all healthcare professionals, whether practicing in private offices, health centers, or healthcare facilities, have taken steps to minimize the risk of infection as much as possible.
And of course, in case of an emergency, you should immediately call 15 (or contact 114, the number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing).
To raise public awareness about the need to continue seeking medical care, an information campaign jointly led by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, the National Health Insurance, and Santé publique France, reinforces this essential message: “During the epidemic, whatever your health issues may be, seek medical care.” Launched on May 1, the campaign will run through May 14 on television and through May 26 on the radio.
Coronavirus: During the outbreak, continue to seek medical care
Coronavirus: During the outbreak, continue to seek medical care
A significant decline in the number of patient visits
The very sharp decline in the number of consultations, observed since the start of the lockdown, continued into mid-April. It remains just as pronounced among specialists (-51%) and is now slightly less severe among general practitioners, although still down significantly by 25%*.
*Change in the number of consultations in France with private practitioners over a two-week period, from April 13 to 26, 2020, compared to data from 2019 - General Health Insurance System data
Reduced use of healthcare services by people with chronic diseases and acute conditions
At the start of the lockdown (weeks 12 and 13), a decrease in the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions—which may represent life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate care—was observed. In week 17, however, an increase in emergency room admissions for these same conditions was observed, suggesting a delay in care for patients who had waited to go to the emergency room, particularly out of fear of infection.
It is essential that, despite the lockdown, people requiring emergency care seek treatment at appropriate healthcare facilities.
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