Qualitative Interview Study of Rheumatology Patients’ Experiences of COVID-19 Shielding to Explore the Physical and Psychological Impact and Identify Associated Support Needs

ObjectiveMany clinically extremely vulnerable rheumatology patients have only recently ceased shielding from COVID-19, while some continue to minimise in-person contact. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of shielding and associated support needs in patients with rheumatic conditions and to understand how rheumatology teams can meet these needs both currently and in future pandemics.Design, participants and settingThe study was conducted in the Southwest of England using a case-study design. The participants were 15 patients with rheumatic conditions who were advised to shield and/or chose to shield at any time during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsQualitative data collected via telephone and online semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFifteen interviews were conducted. Three main themes represent the data:‘Just shove them over there in the corner’ captures changes in patients’ self-perception. They felt different to most other people, vulnerable and left behind. The initial sense of shock was followed by a sense of loss as changes became long term.‘A long and lonely road’ captures patients’ psychological isolation due to a perceived lack of understanding and support. This included having to prove their health status and justify their shielding behaviours, which impacted their relationships. At times, they felt abandoned by their healthcare providers.‘You can’t just flip a switch’ captures the difficulty of getting back to pre-pandemic normal after shielding. Patients did not recognise themselves physically and mentally. They wanted to collaborate with health professionals and identified the need for specific guidance to support their recovery.ConclusionPatients are dealing with lasting physical and mental effects from shielding and consequences of delayed healthcare. Health professionals need time and resources to ask about patients’ well-being, identify their health needs and refer/signpost to appropriate sources of support.