After a period of significant decline in the volume of consultations, examinations and ophthalmological procedures by the Unified Health System (SUS), due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care, a new trend has emerged in the public network. The data analyzed by the Brazilian Board of Ophthalmology (CBO), based on records from the Ministry of Health, show that production volumes have resumed at levels greater than those before the pandemic emergency.
In the Southeast, according to figures analyzed by the Foundation, there has been a 92% increase in the productivity of tests to diagnose Diabetic retinopathy In 2022 compared to 2020, which is the most serious year of the epidemic. The calculation takes into account tests recorded between January and August each year, a period for which data for the current year is already available.
From January to August 2020, 1.7 million such procedures took place in the region. Already in the same period of 2022, the Ministry of Health indicates the performance of 3.2 million tests related to diabetic retinopathy, a figure that exceeds the pre-pandemic performance, when 2.6 million procedures were counted in 2019.
The data confirms the upward trend and positive performance can be seen in all states in the Southeast. In terms of absolute values of procedures, Paulo leads the 2022 records with 2.1 million procedures performed, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 536 thousand and Minas Gerais with 446 thousand records.
In the CBO assessment, this rebound in SUS productivity demonstrates the positive impact of Reduction in morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 Increase vaccination against this disease. “The population now feels safer. With this, the fear of going to the health services for fear of contracting coronavirus is no longer a problem,” confirms Cristiano Caixita Ombelino, President of the Council.
comparisons
When evaluating the production of diabetic retinopathy exams based on their geographic distribution, it can be verified that the improvement in coverage occurred in the four states in the Southeast, in the comparison between the January-August periods of 2020 and 2022. Highlights go to Espiritu Santo Santo (213%), Rio de Janeiro (186%) and Minas Gerais (118%).
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Rio de Janeiro were the states with the highest relative increases between 2019 and 2022, with a 78% increase in the volume of procedures performed from January to August each year; Espiritu Santo, with a tolerance of 35%; and Minas Gerais, up 34%.
“The pent-up demand during the most severe phases of the pandemic has already been expressed in the number of actions recorded in the first eight months of the year. Although the indications of this resumption are encouraging, we need to consider the potential impacts that the COVID-19 crisis may cause.” It may have to see people, especially those who have diabetic which passed for a long time without being screened for diabetic retinopathy,” assesses the head of the Central Bank of Oman.
Blue November
With a view to further strengthening the process of resuming care, the CBO throughout November encouraged joint efforts to provide care for patients with diabetic retinopathy across the country. Ocular complications can develop rapidly and lead to partial or total loss of vision without early diagnosis and treatment.
The public health problem involving this disease has led ophthalmologists and partner entities, led by the local community organization, to promote several actions in different states. In each initiative, patients suspected of having the disease are evaluated by specialists, tested and referred for necessary care.
“The local community organization is committed to the health of the eyes of the Brazilian population. The November campaign is a tradition that started in 2014, and only suspended in 2020, due to the pandemic. That year it was necessary to think of new ways to reach the public, the Internet, As well as in many other sectors of society, it was an important ally in facing the crisis, ”recalls Wilma Lillis Barboza, CBO Chief Secretary.
Online marathon
In addition to the mobilization in states and municipalities, which will ensure effective service to thousands of people, the local community is promoting the project 24 hours for diabetes, a marathon of online activities that takes place on Saturday (11/26). Through its YouTube channel and other digital platforms, the entity offers residents, free of charge, a series of educational content about diabetic retinopathy and other potential consequences of the condition.
There are interviews, discussions, lectures and reports that address disease care, help identify signs and symptoms and guide interested parties on what to do when in doubt.
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