COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training

The shift in the national focus and allocation of resources to the management of COVID19 has led to significant changes to surgical practice including the delay of elective surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of such changes on surgeons.

Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general surgery consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors from a major tertiary hospital in the Dublin region between March-May 2020. Data collection proceeded iteratively using a thematic analysis approach with quality controls such as memoing and collaborative analysis.

Fourteen surgeons (8 male, 6 female) were interviewed. The majority (n = 11, 78.6%) were NCHDs. Significant themes determined included 'impacts' on a variety of constructs such as performance, self-reported fatigue and wellbeing. Training themes elucidated included the effects of the cancellation of elective admissions on reduced operative exposure for trainees. Senior surgical staff were particularly focused on increased complexity in patient management. New policy requirements such as personal protective equipment use and novel rotas have had implications for aspects of work engagement. The pandemic and subsequent national restrictions imposed has afforded opportunities for improved well-being but also resulted in greater solitude in surgeons.

Rhetoric surrounding fatigue management and virus control dominates the conversation on the relationship between COVID-19 and surgery. Tipping the balance back to parity of fatigue management with service delivery in surgery will be key for sustainability of the surgical workforce.