Evaluating the long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients with chronic diseases
The Long-term Spill-over Impact of COVID-19 on Health and Healthcare of Patients With Non-communicable Diseases (and Without COVID-19) : an In-depth Outcome and Health Economic Evaluation
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and healthcare costs of people with chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer over the long term.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05248412 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the long-term spill-over impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health outcomes and healthcare utilization among individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Utilizing electronic health records from the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong, the study will analyze data from 2010 to 2024 to determine changes in mortality rates, disease-specific outcomes, and healthcare costs. The research will involve both retrospective cohort analysis and cross-sectional surveys to evaluate the economic impact of COVID-19 on these patients. The findings will help understand how the pandemic has indirectly affected healthcare for those with chronic conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 and older with documented diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, or chronic kidney disease who have utilized healthcare services in Hong Kong.
Not a fit: Patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into improving healthcare strategies and resource allocation for patients with chronic diseases affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems, but this specific focus on long-term effects on non-communicable diseases is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
(For cohort study) Inclusion Criteria: * People aged 18 years or above with a documented doctor-diagnosed NCDs (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, or chronic respiratory disease ) * People who attended at least once HA hospitals, general or specialist out-patients clinics between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2024 Exclusion Criteria: \- People with a documented doctor-diagnosed COVID-19 (For cross-sectional study) Inclusion Criteria: * People aged 18 years or above with a documented doctor-diagnosed NCDs (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, or chronic respiratory disease ) * All participants are able to communicate in either Chinese or English and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * People with a documented diagnosis of COVID-19 during the study period.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Family Medicine & Primary Care, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cindy L.K. Lam, MD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Cindy L.K. Lam, MD
- Email: clklam@hku.hk
- Phone: +852-25185653
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.