A survey on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on motility and functional investigations in Europe and considerations for recommencing activities in the early recovery phase

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by WHO on March 13 th 2020, had a major global impact on the health care system and services. In the acute phase, the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the aerodigestive tract limited activities in the gastroenterology clinic and procedures to emergencies only. Motility and function testing was interrupted and as we enter the recovery phase, restarting these procedures requires a safety-focused approach with adequate infection prevention for patients and healthcare professionals.Methods: We summarized knowledge on the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the aerodigestive tract and the risk of spread with motility and functional testing. We surveyed 39 European centers documenting how the pandemic affected activities and which measures they are considering for restarting these measurements. We propose recommendations based on current knowledge as applied in our center.Results: Positioning of catheters for gastrointestinal motility tests carries a concern for aerosol-borne infection of health care workers. The risk is low with breath tests.The surveyed centers stopped almost all motility and function tests from the second half of March. The speed of restarting and the safety measures taken varied highly.Conclusions and Inferences: Based on these findings, we provided recommendations and practical relevant information for motility and function test procedures in the COVID-19 pandemic era, to guarantee a high-quality patient care with adequate infection prevention.

Alternative Strategy Adopted in Practical Assessment for Pathology Postgraduate Certification Examination Amidst COVID-19 Nationwide Lockdown: An Indian Experience with a Novel Hybrid Method of Assessment

“…Various medical schools in the world and even the Medical Council of India, has been encouraging colleges to use digital platforms and to use technology as a replacement in various disciplines such as anatomy, pharmacology, and other types of laboratories. 1 , 2 …”

“…The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought global life to a standstill with many places being closed and limited essential normal activities being allowed. 1 One relevant question posed to universities was the timely conduct of summative assessment as a part of course completion and certification. 2 Many institutes and centres postponed it.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Gastrointestinal Motility Testing in Asia and Europe

“…In this study, we have evaluated and compared the impact of COVID-19 on capacity and extent in performing gastrointestinal motility and functional tests in Asian and European countries using the same survey in European countries [ 8 ].…”

“…Hence, there is a significant concern regarding the transmission of this aerosol-borne infection among health care workers [ 6 , 7 ]. Moreover, anorectal manometry can lead to contact infection [ 8 ].…”

“…However, when the number of infections decreased to a sufficient degree, appropriate infection control measures were taken before performing gastrointestinal motility and function tests. Previously, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the capacity to perform gastrointestinal motility and function tests in European countries [ 8 ]. In Asian countries, COVID-19 first spread in China and then in nearby countries [ 9 ].…”