Short- and long-term effects of Covid-19 pandemic on health care system for individuals with eating disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences have negatively impacted the incidence of EDs, determining a substantial burden on patients, caregivers and healthcare systems world-wide. This literature review aims to investigate the short- and long-term effects of the pandemic on care provider systems, exploring the possibility of “rethinking” ED care programs. Methods: Records were systematically (following the PRISMA guidelines) identified through PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus searching. Results: The Covid-19 pandemic led to an abrupt and substantial increase in pediatric and adolescent ED visits and hospital admissions. Despite a decline in the second-year post-onset, absolute visit volumes remained elevated relative to pre-pandemic levels. Barriers to access specialist ED care have emerged, including socio-economic status and a lack of public outpatient services. Consequently, this situation has prompted healthcare providers to explore innovative bridge plans and multidisciplinary telehealth solutions to face such challenges. Discussion: Challenges in insurance shifts, treatment disruptions and discharge planning underscore the need for comprehensive strategies in ED care. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of adopting multidisciplinary approaches, implementing location-specific plans, and integrating telehealth to effectively address the evolving challenges posed by the pandemic and enhance the efficiency of ED specialist care programs.