Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Surgical Scientific Formats: An ERNICA Survey on Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

Introduction The aims of this survey were to assess the experiences of the transition from in-person to virtual meetings among European pediatric surgeons since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to identify preferences for future formats. Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was circulated among members of the European Reference Network for rare Inherited and Congenital Anomalies Network (ERNICA) in 2022. Two time periods were compared (3 years before the COVID-19 pandemic vs. the year 2021). Results A total of 87 pediatric surgeons from 16 countries completed the survey. In addition, 27% of respondents were trainees/residents and 73% consultants/lead surgeons. Consultants participated in significantly more in-person congresses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic compared with trainees (5.2 vs. 1.9; p < 0.001). A significant increase in attendance of virtual meeting was reported during 2021 compared with pre-COVID-19 (1.4 vs. 6.7; p < 0.001). Consultants had experienced significantly less absenteeism thanks to virtual meetings compared with trainees (42/61 vs. 8/23; p < 0.05). Most surgeons considered virtual meetings more economic (82%), practical (78%), and family-friendly (66%). However, a majority reported missing social events (78%). The communication among attendees or between attendees and speakers or scientific faculty was deemed worse. A minority (14%) experienced equalized representation of trainees and consultants at virtual meetings. Most respondents (58%) agreed that future meeting strategies should focus on offering virtual formats. Regarding future congresses, respondents prefer hybrid (62%) over in-person (33%) or virtual (6%) formats. Conclusion According to European pediatric surgeons, virtual learning formats hold multiple advantages and should be continued. Improved technology must meet the challenges, particularly to enhance communication, equal representation, and networking between attendees.

Considering the Carbon Footprint of Ophthalmology Conferences

“…McClintic and Stashevsky do not attempt to measure what could be lost with virtual meeting formats, such as opportunities for networking, career development, collegial interactions, idea sharing, and so on, but these are important aspects of medical conferences that cannot be ignored. Aubert et al distributed an online questionnaire to a group of European pediatric surgeons to evaluate their perspectives after transitioning to virtual meeting formats. Most respondents found virtual meetings to be more economical (82%) and practical (78%); however, a similar-sized majority indicated that they missed the social aspect of in-person meetings (78%).…”

“…Most respondents found virtual meetings to be more economical (82%) and practical (78%); however, a similar-sized majority indicated that they missed the social aspect of in-person meetings (78%). Of note, 62% of respondents had a preference for a hybrid format for future meetings . This illustrates that there are several directions in which existing research on this topic can and perhaps should be expanded in the future.…”