How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons

Abstract

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March–April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients’ management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons’ personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon–patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons’ perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice.

Proof of Concept of Telemedicine-Assisted Abdominal Ultrasound Examinations to Improve the Quality of Patient Care in Rural Areas

“…Further studies have shown a growing use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in western countries using telematic consultations, too, promising a permanent role in future telematic postoperative follow-up [ 21 ]. Although studies have shown the positive benefit of telemedical consultations in general, to date, only few studies have examined POCUS in rural [ 22 ] or urban emergency settings [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Enhancing microsurgical skills in neurosurgery residents of low-income countries: A comprehensive guide

“…The increasing use of virtual reality research, virtual meetings, online education initiatives, and telehealth, initially introduced out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, represent interesting tools to expand their knowledge and research among low-income country residents. [ 1 , 17 , 21 , 24 , 31 , 40 ] By networking and exchanging knowledge with experts in the field, low-income hospitals can enhance their microsurgical training opportunities and stay updated with the latest advancements.…”