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Impact of COVID-19 on Urology Practice: A Global Perspective and Snapshot Analysis
Stavros Gravas1, Damien Bolton2, Reynaldo Gomez3
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly restricted urology services globally, impacting outpatient consultations and non-emergency surgeries. East/Southeast Asia reported fewer restrictions, highlighting regional practice variations during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide.
- The specific impact on urology practice globally was not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology practice.
- To identify regional and practice setting variations in urological care delivery during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed by the Société Internationale d'Urologie (SIU) to urologists globally.
- 2494 urologists from 76 countries participated, representing diverse practice settings and geographic regions.
Main Results:
- Significant worldwide restrictions were observed in outpatient consultations and non-emergency surgeries.
- East/Southeast Asia reported less notable restrictions compared to other regions.
- Measures for preventing COVID-19 spread during emergency surgery were common but lacked specificity.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted global urology practice, necessitating significant adaptations.
- There is an urgent need for enhanced guidance for managing urological care during pandemics.
Abstract:
The global impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on urology practice remains unknown. Self-selected urologists worldwide completed an online survey by the Société Internationale d'Urologie (SIU). A total of 2494 urologists from 76 countries responded, including 1161 (46.6%) urologists in an academic setting, 719 (28.8%) in a private practice, and 614 (24.6%) in the public sector. The largest proportion (1074 (43.1%)) were from Europe, with the remainder from East/Southeast Asia (441 (17.7%)), West/Southwest Asia (386 (15.5%)), Africa (209 (8.4%)), South America (198 (7.9%)), and North America (186 (7.5%)). An analysis of differences in responses was carried out by region and practice setting. The results reveal significant restrictions in outpatient consultation and non-emergency surgery, with nonspecific efforts towards additional precautions for preventing the spread of COVID-19 during emergency surgery. These restrictions were less notable in East/Southeast Asia. Urologists often bear the decision-making responsibility regarding access to elective surgery (40.3%). Restriction of both outpatient clinics and non-emergency surgery is considerable worldwide but is lower in East/Southeast Asia. Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 during emergency surgery are common but not specific. The pandemic has had a profound impact on urology practice. There is an urgent need to provide improved guidance for this and future pandemics.
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