A prolonged pandemic impacts the mental health of orthopaedic patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Majority of elective orthopaedic operations are postponed to accommodate the reallocation of healthcare resources to combat the pandemic. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the mental state of orthopaedic patients amidst limited orthopaedic management options. The secondary aim of this paper is to identify areas of significant stressors and to provide avenues for improvements. METHODS: A survey was administered on patients in outpatient clinics within a tertiary institution from 31 May to 13 June 2021 where government interventions prevented elective orthopaedic surgeries from being performed. Individuals' fatigue level were assessed with Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) and they were surveyed on their areas of stressors. RESULTS: A total of 160 orthopaedic patients (67 males and 93 females) were surveyed with an average age of 48.3 years old (range 17–88). 65 out of 160 (40.6%) were deemed to be severely fatigued (CFS > 4) with a higher prevalence amongst females than males (47.3% vs 31.3% respectively.) The top three areas identified as stressors included transmitting to family/friends, travel restrictions/quarantine orders and limitation on recreational/social activities (67.5%, 45.6% and 57.5% respectively). 25.6% of the patients indicated that the increased difficulty in accessing healthcare was a stress factor. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There is a high proportion of severe fatigue amongst orthopaedic patients. Combined with postponement of orthopaedic care and treatment, the detrimental effects of a prolong pandemic can be more pronounced on orthopaedic patients. Identified areas of stressors provide avenues for improvements to safeguard the mental health of orthopaedic patients.