New research has found that 21% of those with underlying health conditions, who have had medical appointments cancelled as a result of the pandemic, say they are more worried about their condition than normal. As a result, 1 in 10 patients is now worried they are taking the wrong medication or dosage.
The figures come from ‘medication Trustpilot’ platform DrugsDisclosed, which analyses data from 403.505 patient reviews from global users of the DrugStars medication app.
The findings are sure to raise concerns around the treatment of those with underlying health conditions who are considered to be at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms from coronavirus.
Lacking in public support
Another worrying find from the research was how those with underlying health conditions rated the support they receive from the general public. Over half (54%) feel the public is not supportive of those with underlying health conditions.
While more at risk of serious coronavirus symptoms, patients are also not unanimous in their support of lockdown. Almost three in 10 (29%) believe lockdown restrictions are worse than the fear of actually catching COVID-19. Furthermore, 38% say they are more worried about going into lockdown now, than in the spring. Perhaps most worrying is the finding that 33% of those spoken to worry that they will be required to lockdown indefinitely.
Vaccine hesitancy
While some may hail the developments of the vaccine breakthroughs, it is evident that not all are yet comfortable with the idea of taking new medication. Previous figures from DrugsDisclosed.com found that 54% of patients would only take a coronavirus vaccine after it had been tested for at least a year.
DrugsDisclosed founder and former professor in social pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen, Claus Møldrup, said: ‘It is clear from our research that patients have not been listened to. For months people who are deemed to be the most vulnerable to Covid-19, have been told to stay at home whilst the rest of us try to get back to normal. Now we are expecting them to turn up in their droves to take a vaccine. No one has asked them if they are comfortable with that.
‘More significantly, missed appointments and the growing worry around taking the wrong medication could lead to a breakdown of trust between patients and healthcare providers and impact the overall health of this vulnerable group.
‘It is important that we bring patients on the journey and build trust. Not just us as citizens, but also governments and pharmaceutical companies who expect an uptake in a vaccine.’
