Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery in University Hospitals in Germany: Results of a Nationwide Survey.
Betacoronavirus
COVID-19
Coronavirus Infections
/ epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Delivery of Health Care
/ statistics & numerical data
Germany
/ epidemiology
Health Care Surveys
Hospitals, University
/ organization & administration
Humans
Orthopedic Procedures
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedics
/ organization & administration
Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral
/ epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Trauma Centers
/ organization & administration
Journal
The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
ISSN: 1535-1386
Titre abrégé: J Bone Joint Surg Am
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 0014030
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
15 Jul 2020
15 Jul 2020
Historique:
entrez:
18
7
2020
pubmed:
18
7
2020
medline:
29
7
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments in university hospitals in Germany in order to clarify current challenges. In this cross-sectional study, an online-based anonymous survey was conducted within the Convention of University Professors of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery in Germany from April 3 to April 11, 2020. A bipolar 5-point Likert scale (with possible responses of "totally disagree," "rather disagree," "neutral," "rather agree," and "totally agree") was applied. Fifty-two (69.3%) of 75 clinic directors participated. Communication and cooperation with the government, hospital administration, and other departments during the COVID-19 pandemic were mainly perceived as appropriate. However, only 7 respondents (13.7%) totally agreed or rather agreed with the statement that the authorities are supporters of orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments. Substantial financial and personnel changes in orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments of university hospitals were reported, resulting in an average reduction of 49.4% in operating room capacity and an expected 29.3% loss of revenue. In addition, 14.7% of physicians were reallocated from orthopaedic and trauma surgery to other care-delivery environments. Our study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments in German university hospitals. Distinct structural and financial effects were noted. Nevertheless, the present study demonstrates the commitment of our specialty to overcome the pandemic by providing competent personnel as well as close cooperation with the hospital administration and other departments. To our knowledge, this is the first Germany-wide survey among the heads of orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments in university hospitals on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey results may help to inform system-wide decision-making in Germany, in Europe, and beyond.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments in university hospitals in Germany in order to clarify current challenges.
METHODS
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, an online-based anonymous survey was conducted within the Convention of University Professors of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery in Germany from April 3 to April 11, 2020. A bipolar 5-point Likert scale (with possible responses of "totally disagree," "rather disagree," "neutral," "rather agree," and "totally agree") was applied. Fifty-two (69.3%) of 75 clinic directors participated.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Communication and cooperation with the government, hospital administration, and other departments during the COVID-19 pandemic were mainly perceived as appropriate. However, only 7 respondents (13.7%) totally agreed or rather agreed with the statement that the authorities are supporters of orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments. Substantial financial and personnel changes in orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments of university hospitals were reported, resulting in an average reduction of 49.4% in operating room capacity and an expected 29.3% loss of revenue. In addition, 14.7% of physicians were reallocated from orthopaedic and trauma surgery to other care-delivery environments.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments in German university hospitals. Distinct structural and financial effects were noted. Nevertheless, the present study demonstrates the commitment of our specialty to overcome the pandemic by providing competent personnel as well as close cooperation with the hospital administration and other departments.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first Germany-wide survey among the heads of orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments in university hospitals on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey results may help to inform system-wide decision-making in Germany, in Europe, and beyond.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32675666
doi: 10.2106/JBJS.20.00756
pii: 00004623-202007150-00006
pmc: PMC7431148
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
e78Références
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