Continuity of health care for chronic diseases in the state of São Paulo during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) represent the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Added to this scenario, in 2020, the pandemic by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2), causing COVID-19, emerges. This study evaluated the continuity of care for NCDs by health services in the municipalities of the state of São Paulo during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a crosssectional study, carried out in 171 municipalities in the state of São Paulo, and with application of a form to
municipal managers. Post-stratification weight was used to correct the low response rate. Most municipalities (89.6%) defined a set of health services that should be maintained, and 95.7% reported some discontinuity of care. The services with discontinuity (total and partial interruption) were as follows: elective surgeries (54.1% and 38.1%), rehabilitation (10.0% and 62.1%), diagnosis/treatment of NCDs (1.0% and 42.1%), treatment of mental disorders (2.4% and 38.4%),  diagnosis/treatment of cancer (partial interruption 15.9%) and
palliative care (4.4% and 22.6%). Low demand from the population and reduced supply interfered with the continuity of care. The implementation of Telehealth stands out. The total or partial interruption exposes individuals to acute and chronic complications.