Global impact of COVID-19 on surgeons and team members (GlobalCOST): a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the well-being of surgeons and allied health professionals as well as the support provided by their institutions.DesignThis cross-sectional study involved distributing an online survey through medical organisations, social media platforms and collaborators.SettingIt included all staff based in an operating theatre environment around the world.Participants1590 complete responses were received from 54 countries between 15 July and 15 December 2020. The average age of participants was 30–40 years old, 64.9% were men and 32.5% of a white ethnic background. 79.5% were surgeons with the remainder being nurses, assistants, anaesthetists, operating department practitioners or classified other.Main outcome measuresParticipants that had experienced any physical illness, changes in mental health, salary or time with family since the start of the pandemic as well as support available based on published recommendations.Results32.0% reported becoming physically ill. This was more likely in those with reduced access to personal protective equipment (OR 4.62; CI 2.82 to 7.56; p<0.001) and regular breaks (OR 1.56; CI 1.18 to 2.06; p=0.002). Those with a decrease in salary (29.0%) were more likely to have an increase in anxiety (OR 1.50; CI 1.19 to 1.89; p=0.001) and depression (OR 1.84; CI 1.40 to 2.43; p<0.001) and those who spent less time with family (35.2%) were more likely to have an increase in depression (OR 1.74; CI 1.34 to 2.26; p<0.001). Only 36.0% had easy access to occupational health, 44.0% to mental health services, 16.5% to 24/7 rest facilities and 14.2% to 24/7 food and drink facilities. Fewer measures were available in countries with a low Human Development Index.ConclusionsThis work has highlighted a need and strategies to improve conditions for the healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic-induced surgical restrictions on operational performance: a case study at the University Hospital of Ulm

“…The COVID-19 [1,2] pandemic in spring 2020 prompted rapid pragmatic responses at all levels of governments worldwide [3]. Due to pandemic-related infrastructure measures, personnel allocation and turnover, as well as illness including burn-out among staff [4,5], an estimated 30 million COVID-19-related surgical procedure cancellations occurred globally in 2020 [6]. Also, in Germany, the demanded and implemented restrictions on surgeries led hospitals of all sizes to instantly shift from full operational capacity to an exclusive emergency surgery program, resulting in a significant drop in inpatient treatments [7].…”

“…Fig 5. Surgical process times in minutes from A) surgical suture to end of anesthesia and B) perioperative turnover time during the corresponding 2 nd quarters (Q2) of the indicated years before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemia.…”