The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Spine Surgeons Worldwide: A One Year Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Study Design Survey Objective In March of 2020, an original study by Louie et al investigated the impact of COVID-19 on 902 spine surgeons internationally. Since then, due to varying government responses and public health initiatives to the pandemic, individual countries and regions of the world have been affected differently. Therefore, this follow-up study aimed to assess how the COVID-19 impact on spine surgeons has changed 1 year later. Methods A repeat, multi-dimensional, 90-item survey written in English was distributed to spine surgeons worldwide via email to the AO Spine membership who agreed to receive surveys. Questions were categorized into the following domains: demographics, COVID-19 observations, preparedness, personal impact, patient care, and future perceptions. Results Basic respondent demographics, such as gender, age, home demographics, medical comorbidities, practice type, and years since training completion, were similar to those of the original 2020 survey. Significant differences between groups included reasons for COVID testing, opinions of media coverage, hospital unemployment, likelihood to be performing elective surgery, percentage of cases cancelled, percentage of personal income, sick leave, personal time allocation, stress coping mechanisms, and the belief that future guidelines were needed (P<.05). Conclusion Compared to baseline results collected at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, significant differences in various domains related to COVID-19 perceptions, hospital preparedness, practice impact, personal impact, and future perceptions have developed. Follow-up assessment of spine surgeons has further indicated that telemedicine and virtual education are mainstays. Such findings may help to inform and manage expectations and responses to any future outbreaks.

Impact on Spine Surgery during the First Two Years of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Study in South Korea

“…The influence of COVID-19 on spine surgery in specific regions has also been reported [ 22 , 23 ]. Moreover, Louie et al conducted the first international study to assess the effects of COVID-19 among spine surgeons [ 24 ], and a follow-up study by Barajas et al showed the responses of spine surgeons throughout one year [ 25 ]. A scoring system for the triage of spine surgeries due to the limited medical and human resources was also suggested by two individual studies [ 18 , 26 ].…”

Global, regional, and national COVID-19 vaccination rate in 237 countries and territories, March 2022: a systematic analysis for World Health Organization COVID-19 Dashboard, Release 2

“…Despite of these limitations, our interpretations can contribute on solving public health problems on emerging issues and health inequality on the COVID-19 pandemic. [25,26]…”

Global, regional, and national disruptions to COVID-19 vaccine coverage in 237 countries and territories, March 2022: a systematic analysis for World Health Organization COVID-19 Dashboard, Release 1

“…Despite of these limitations, our global interpretations have met our objective by supporting international and rapid evidence to solve global emerging issues and economic inequality related to the COVID-19. [23,24]…”