What did the study reveal about the impact of COVID-19 on chronic disease diagnosis?

The study found that COVID-19 caused a dramatic decline in chronic disease diagnoses, leaving millions undiagnosed or untreated for extended periods.

Why is the decline in diagnoses during the pandemic significant?

The decline is significant as it represents a missed opportunity for early prevention and improvement in public health.

Who was affected by the pandemic's impact on healthcare?

Millions of individuals in England suffering from chronic diseases were affected, alongside the healthcare system which became overwhelmed with emergencies.

Which chronic diseases were most impacted?

Asthma, COPD, skin conditions, and osteoporosis experienced significant declines in diagnosis rates.

What positive aspects were highlighted in the study?

The study noted that the pandemic led to the development of secure and rapid health data analyses, enabling near-instant detection of pathological changes.

How have diagnosis rates changed after the pandemic?

Diagnosis rates have gradually started to recover, though patterns vary among different diseases.

Impact of COVID-19 on Chronic Disease Diagnosis and Early Treatment Opportunities

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic extended beyond infections and fatalities, leaving a significant mark on public health, as evidenced by a dramatic decline in the diagnosis of chronic diseases. This has resulted in millions of individuals remaining undiagnosed or untreated for years.

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) analyzed anonymized health data from approximately 30 million people in England.

As the pandemic unfolded, healthcare systems redirected their resources to manage emergencies, leading to the cancellation of routine check-ups. Visits to general practitioners and non-COVID-19 related hospitals dropped by about one-third in the initial months.

Specialist clinics also closed, and essential diagnostic tests were postponed, directly impacting the detection rates of chronic diseases.

The study revealed that the decline was particularly pronounced for diseases reliant on routine screenings or specialized evaluations:

• Asthma: Diagnosis rates fell by over 30% in the first year.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The diagnosis rate dropped by more than 50% due to interruptions in lung function tests and waiting lists.

• Skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: These were severely affected as patients hesitated to seek help, and referrals to specialists were delayed.

• Osteoporosis: Diagnosis rates decreased by about one-third, leaving thousands without preventive treatment that could have averted serious fractures, with recovery in diagnosis rates only occurring after approximately three years.

Between March 2020 and November 2024, England recorded over 50 thousand fewer diagnoses than expected, representing a missed opportunity for early prevention and public health improvement.

While diagnosis rates have gradually returned post-pandemic, distinct patterns emerged among various conditions:

1 _ Depression: The diagnosis rate dropped by around 30% in the first year, improved somewhat, but has since declined again since 2022, despite an increase in disability claims related to mental disorders, indicating changes in access to treatment rather than genuine improvements in mental health.

2 _ Chronic Kidney Disease: Diagnosis rates have doubled since 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, attributed to updated medical guidelines for routine screenings in at-risk groups such as diabetics and those with hypertension, along with the availability of new treatments that emphasize early detection.

The study also highlighted a positive aspect: the use of secure and rapid health data analysis, which enabled near-instant recognition of pathological changes that previously took years to identify.

Although the pandemic disrupted healthcare and created concerning gaps, it also fostered the development of advanced monitoring tools, providing healthcare systems with better means to manage crises early and mitigate hidden costs to community health.