CLASSIC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Perceptions of the clinical and psychosocial impact of Covid-19 in patients with neuromuscular and neurological disorders
IRAS ID
286495
Contact name
Anita Simonds
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The Covid-19 pandemic has required the majority of the population to make significant changes to their lives to minimise the risk of infection to themselves and others. This study aims to better understand how the lives of people with neuromuscular and neurological disorders (NMD) have been affected as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. They are in an almost unique group of predominantly young patients, who have varying degrees of functional limitations and disability, as well as multi-system, predominantly cardiorespiratory complications: there is still limited understanding of the risk of significant morbidity and mortality in patients with NMD, however such patients are likely to be considered ‘vulnerable’ and advised to shield during the pandemic. This study will explore changes in the day-to-day activities of patients and their families and carers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as their access to routine and emergency medical care. It will also explore if many have mild or asymptomatic infection, which is as yet poorly understood. Concerns raised by this population in relation to access to care should they become unwell with Covid-19 particularly in relation to access to higher level or intensive care will also be explored. There are likely to be longstanding changes to people’s lifestyles and access to medical care as a result of Covid-19, and a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic, including on those who have been advised to shield to further reduce their risk of infection aims to help clinicians and service providers better plan support and adaptations to the services that are required.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0355
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion