Conducted from 18 September to 18 October 2020, the results of this survey provide EPF with evidence for our policy and advocacy work. The results will support us in providing the patient perspective to several European initiatives relating to COVID-19, the strengthening of health systems and the digital transformation of healthcare. We hope that recommendations arising from this survey will ultimately inform European and national health policy.
This survey received a total of 125 responses, 46% were patient organisations and 54% were individual patients or carers. Individual patients or their carers answered questions related to the challenges they faced, access to healthcare, their concerns and the quality of information provided by governments and healthcare professionals during the pandemic. The results of this survey show that there is significant room for improvement for both healthcare providers and national authorities on the clarity of information, communication and public health guidance.
Overall, 57 patient organisations responded to the survey with 43% representing European or national organisations. They were asked a variety of questions revolving around their operations during the pandemic, opinions on protection measures and their involvement in the management of the pandemic. These survey results indicate that the pandemic had a huge impact not only on the financial stability of patient organisations, but also on the way they work.
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