Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Services in Malaysia from the Perspective of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Version 1 : Received: 28 March 2022 / Approved: 29 March 2022 / Online: 29 March 2022 (09:45:10 CEST)

How to cite: Hing, N.Y.L.; Leong, C.T.; Subramaniam Kalianan, R.; Lim, W.Y.; Loo, C.E.; Woon, Y.L. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Services in Malaysia from the Perspective of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Preprints 2022, 2022030378. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202203.0378.v1 Hing, N.Y.L.; Leong, C.T.; Subramaniam Kalianan, R.; Lim, W.Y.; Loo, C.E.; Woon, Y.L. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Services in Malaysia from the Perspective of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Preprints 2022, 2022030378. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202203.0378.v1

Abstract

Malaysia implemented a movement control order (MCO) to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in March 2020. Despite healthcare services remaining operational, rising COVID-19 infections and MCO restrictions have forced healthcare professionals to seek a compromise between service capacity and standard operating procedure compliance. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among public and private sector doctors, dentists and pharmacists to determine how lockdown measures impacted healthcare services. Responses from 413 doctors, 193 dentists, and 163 pharmacists were analysed. Pharmacy services remained mostly unaffected throughout the MCO. In contrast, operational capacities for surgical and dental services were severely affected during the MCO. All service sectors reported restricting patients or accompanying individuals at the workplace, reductions in staffing capacity, and shortened patient contact time at various degrees. Many pharmacy and medical participants reported supplying extended medication supplies to patients. Adoption of virtual healthcare services was generally poor. All private service sectors suffered financial losses ranging between 59 to 75%. Periodic assessments of the healthcare system throughout the pandemic are required to identify which patients have their treatment compromised so that healthcare managers and policy makers can plan and implement appropriate interventions that help alleviate pressure within the health system.

Keywords

COVID-19; pandemic; impact; healthcare; lockdown; movement control order; Malaysia; medical services; dental services; pharmacy services

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services

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