The attitude of Turkish general surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of “general surgery COVID-19 pandemic attitude survey”

Abstract

Objective: The whole world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and healthcare professionals are the most affected group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of general surgeons about COVID-19 and understand the attitude and current situation of our colleagues. Material and Methods: This descriptive study comprised general surgeons working in different parts of Turkey. A survey with 23 questions was prepared to determine the demographic characteristics of the participants, workplace characteristics, change in daily work practices and their attitudes in the pandemic process. Results: A total of 332 forms were evaluated. Survey results show that the majority of surgeons have changed their daily surgical practices. Many surgeons take part in the treatment of COVID-19. While most benign cases are delayed, the managemet of malignant cases differs. There are also differences in the evaluation of patients preoperatively and the type of operation. Personal protective measures are followed. While the rate of infected surgeons is low, the majority of surgeons have concerns about infection. Conclusion: Turkish surgeons have managed to get a quick reaction from the start of the pandemic. However, there are still differences in preoperative patient evaluation and operation selection and precautions during the operation. Surgeons also should be informed about the management of malignant patients.

Evaluation of the Knowledge of Operating Room Nurses of Preventive Practices for Protection Against COVID-19

“…However, another study conducted in Turkey revealed that rubber boots were the least-worn PPE in ORs. 14 In addition, surgical personnel are recommended not to grow their hair or beard long so that hair and beard can fit in the cap and mask properly. 5,10 Most ORNs in this study (70.6%) state that long hair and beard can increase the risk of viral contamination.…”

“…For this reason, the protective measures should be the standard practice to protect providers from COVID-19. Çolako glu et al 14 have identified that 34.2% of the personnel address all surgical cases as positive, 31.2% evaluate cases based on symptoms, 20.5% perform a thorax computed tomography, and 7.3% perform a COVID-19 test. About 98.6% of ORNs in the study thought that suspected COVID-19 cases should be considered as positive cases, which is in line with the literature and may improve the perception of protection.…”

How can surgical continuity be maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic? A quality improvement study in the pre-vaccination period

“…Surgeons and surgical patients have also been affected by this forced attitude. During the early phase of the pandemic, the results of the national survey that we conducted among the general surgeons in Turkey showed that a large majority of the surgeons were able to operate emergency cases, and elective cases were delayed as much as possible (2). Because of the intense and variable information flow during the first phase of the pandemic, approaches about malignant patients varied and the main point became whether to delay such patients or not.…”