The response of patient organizations to the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Latvia

¹ Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradins University, Rīga, Latvia
² Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia

Abstract

Patient organizations have proven to be crucial stakeholders for patient needs in the health system. However, the global health crisis due to the emergence of COVID-19 has affected the routine of organizations. This qualitative study explores the experience of patient organizations in adapting their services to the situation during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia in Spring-Autumn 2020. Fifteen chairpersons of patient organizations were recruited and interviewed using a semi-structured key informant interview. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed with manual thematic coding. Four main themes were identified: information needs on COVID-19; diversification of communication channels and their adjustment to the COVID-19 situation; continuity of routine management of patient organization; support mechanisms for patient organizations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient organizations experienced a rapidly changing environment as a result of COVID-19 and have had to react immediately to ensure the provision of the service to the patient community they serve.