Perspectives of cardiac care providers on the continuum of care among women with cardiovascular disease in a tertiary care hospital of South India.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality among women, and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare continuity. This research explores healthcare providers' (HCPs) perspectives on challenges in providing cardiac care to women during the pandemic. Methods: A qualitative inquiry was conducted through in-depth interviews among 11 HCPs at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Results: The thematic analysis revealed several concepts. Women with CVD were less health literate and often presented late. They relied on family support for care continuity. Family decision-making, pandemic restrictions, and personal hesitancy delayed care-seeking. Women faced lower prioritization within families and depended on male members for healthcare decisions. This reflects societal and cultural gender disparities. Organized services were present, but long waiting periods and rushed consultations, especially during follow-up visits, affected satisfaction and continuity of care. Language barriers and low literacy hindered doctor-patient communication. HCPs tried to learn the local language to improve interactions. Access to health-financing mechanisms and social support networks helped treatment compliance. During the second wave, heightened health consciousness led more women to seek care. However, strained resources caused rushed care and limited patient-HCP interactions. Conclusion: The study highlights gender-specific challenges that affect women's access to and continuation of cardiac care. Pragmatic measures should aim to increase the doctor-patient ratio to reduce rushed consultations. Employing counselors or social workers can also help bridge communication and cultural gaps.