Endoscopy Staff Are Concerned About Acquiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection When Resuming Elective Endoscopy

Abstract

A s elective endoscopy resumes in the United States, little is known about the concerns of endoscopy staff regarding their risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by returning to work. We investigated this issue with a survey of endoscopists and staff at a single academic center delivering outpatient endoscopy services. Methods The Indiana University institutional review board approved the survey instrument (Supplementary Table 1) on April 10, 2020. Staff were eligible if they were endoscopists, nurses, technicians, or registration staff and had direct contact with patients. Six research assistants administered all surveys by telephone. The first and final surveys were conducted April 14 and 24, 2020, respectively. After inquiring about protective measures in question 12, each respondent ranked up to 3 protective measures they considered most important. Indiana permitted the resumption of elective surgical procedures, including endoscopy, on

The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic on Access to Endoscopy Procedures in the VA Healthcare System

“…Studies have documented significant COVID-19-related concerns of patients and health care staff alike that will have lasting impacts on endoscopy. 8,9 Contrary to the precipitous decrease in procedure volume, the VA saw a 1025% increase in telehealth video appointments since March 1, 2020. 10 The endoscopic procedure data presented reveal a massive care deescalation intervention of historic proportions that would have been previously unthinkable in a national health care system serving 6 million people.…”

“…Studies have documented significant COVID-19–related concerns of patients and health care staff alike that will have lasting impacts on endoscopy. 8 , 9 Contrary to the precipitous decrease in procedure volume, the VA saw a 1025% increase in telehealth video appointments since March 1, 2020. 10…”

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the Era of COVID-19

“…Furthermore, an increased degree of anxiety and burnout were noted among endoscopists. This concern not only was restricted to trainees but also affected entire endoscopy staff for the risk of acquiring COVID-19, especially after the resumption of elective endoscopies (66). However, in areas with low risk of infection transmission, trainees continue to be involved in the procedures.…”

Reviving Routine Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the COVID-19 Era

“…We have engaged every stakeholder in our endoscopy unit to develop plans for a safe reopening. There is evidence that many staff are fearful of resuming routine endoscopy and contracting SARS-CoV-2 ( 15 ). Listening to and addressing all concerns early and often has been critical to reopening.…”