The short-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on spine surgeons: a cross-sectional global study

Abstract

Purpose The outbreak of COVID-19 erupted in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In a few weeks, it progressed rapidly into a global pandemic which resulted in an overwhelming burden on health care systems, medical resources and staff. Spine surgeons as health care providers are no exception. In this study, we try to highlight the impact of the crisis on spine surgeons in terms of knowledge, attitude, practice and socioeconomic burden. Methods This was global, multicentric cross-sectional study on 781 spine surgeons that utilized an Internet-based validated questionnaire to evaluate knowledge about COVID-19, availability of personal protective equipment, future perceptions, effect of this crisis on practice and psychological distress. Univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors for the degree of COVID-19 effect on practice. Results Overall, 20.2%, 52% and 27.8% of the participants were affected minimally, intermediately and hugely by COVID-19, respectively. Older ages (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.11-0.56), orthopedic spine surgeons (β = 0.30, 95% CI 0.01-0.61) and those who work in the private sector (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.19-0.61) were the most affected by COVID-19. Those who work in university hospitals (β = − 0.36, 95% CI 0.00 to − 0.71) were affected the least. The availability of N95 masks (47%) and disposable eye protectors or face shields (39.4%) was significantly associated with lower psychological stress (p = 0.01). Only 6.9%, 3.7% and 5% had mild, moderate and severe mental distress, respectively. Conclusion While it is important to recognize the short-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of spine surgery, predicting where we will be standing in 6-12 months remains difficult and unknown. The COVID-19 crisis will probably have an unexpected long-term impact on lives and economies.

Answer to the Letter to the Editor of Akbari KK et al. concerning “The short-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on spine surgeons: a cross-sectional global study” by Khattab MF, et al. (Eur Spine J; [2020]: doi:10.1007/s00586-020-06517-1)

“…The questions raised in the letter concerning the study by Khattab et al [1] are important, and we completely agree with the authors.…”

Experiences and management of physician psychological symptoms during infectious disease outbreaks: a rapid review

“…Most COVID-19 studies reported on physicians from USA ( n = 23) [ 41 , 52 , 66 , 70 , 77 , 90 – 107 ], China ( n = 22) [ 15 , 49 , 54 – 56 , 65 , 68 , 73 , 86 , 89 , 102 , 108 – 118 ] followed by India ( n = 21) [ 40 , 50 , 58 , 63 , 67 , 71 , 102 , 119 – 132 ] [ 41 , 52 , 66 , 70 , 77 ], Italy ( n = 10) [ 32 , 94 , 102 , 125 , 133 – 138 ], and Turkey ( n = 11) [ 35 , 44 , 94 , 139 – 146 ] [ 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 42 , 45 , 47 , 48 , 59 , 60 , 62 , 80 , 87 ]. .Sixteen studies reported on physicians from multiple countries [ 47 , 51 , 69 , 94 , 102 , 106 , 125 ,...…”

Mental health research in the lower-middle-income countries of Africa and Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

“… Covid-19 pandemic has significant psychological impact on adult Egyptians and it has dramatically affected their social support. 11 The Short-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Spine Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Global Study ( Khattab et al, 2020 ) Healthcare worker (spine surgeons); n = 781; Online survey; Cross-sectional study Knowledge, attitude, practice, PPEs, psychological distress Older age, being an orthopaedic surgeon and working in the private sector was associated with a more significant impact of covid-19. Availability of N95 masks and face masks was associated with lesser psychological distress.…”

“…The mental health support for the vulnerable population during this pandemic falls short to meet the needs. Mental health issues of the focussed population patients with Parkinson's disease, spine surgeons have also been studied ( Khattab et al, 2020 ; Shalash et al, 2020 ). These groups of population found to have poor mental health than the general population.…”