COVID-19 in a Single Large UK Rheumatology Centre and Impact on QOL

COVID-19 Prevalence in a Single Large UK Rheumatology Centre and the Impact on Quality of Life From Stringent Social Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a threat to rheumatology patients. National advice for patients to 'shield' is based on risk stratification of therapies and other risk factors. While the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the rheumatological population is largely unknown large case registries are beginning to show potential drug treatment interactions. Strict self-isolation (shielding) has been recommended for those deemed 'high risk' although its impact on the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and health related quality of life (HRQoL) is unclear.

The study aims to explore how this unprecedented situation has impacted the Trust patients primarily evaluating prevalence of the infection, effect of stringent social distancing (shielding) and Quality of Life (QOL). This will be done via a voluntary questionnaire, sent via text messaging at 6 and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All rheumatology patients under active follow up at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust with a validated mobile telephone number

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients without a validated mobile phone number linked to their hospital record