Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
COVID-19 pandemic effects on orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia
Maciej J K Simon1,2, William D Regan3
1Department of Orthopaedics, Chan Gunn Pavilion, Allen McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic, University of British Columbia, 2553 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted British Columbia orthopaedic surgeons, leading to cancelled surgeries and income loss. Telemedicine adoption accelerated, offering a lasting benefit for healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- COVID-19 declared a global emergency in Q1 2020, causing worldwide deaths and disrupting healthcare systems.
- The pandemic significantly impacted elective surgeries globally.
- This study focuses on the initial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the impact of the initial COVID-19 pandemic months on orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia.
- To assess the effects on patient care, professional work, and personal lives.
- To quantify the surgical backlog and changes in practice.
Main Methods:
- Online survey distributed to 187 orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia (June-August 2020).
- Participants were affiliated with the University of British Columbia or the British Columbia Orthopaedic Association.
- Survey assessed impacts on patient care, work, and personal life.
Main Results:
- 46.5% (87/187) of surgeons responded.
- All surgery types were cancelled for 23 respondents; elective surgeries were cancelled for most.
- Trauma cases reduced for 35 respondents; outpatient clinics shifted to telemedicine.
- 40% feared infecting others; 25% increased alcohol consumption.
- 90% reported >15% income loss.
Conclusions:
- Orthopaedic surgeons and patients faced significant COVID-19 pandemic effects.
- A backlog of 32,400 orthopaedic surgeries was created in British Columbia.
- The pandemic accelerated telemedicine implementation, a lasting healthcare benefit.
Background:
COVID-19 was declared a global emergency in the first quarter of 2020. It is has resulted in and continues in over a million deaths worldwide and halted medical systems and particularly elective surgeries worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the initial COVID-19 pandemic months on orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia.
Methods:
The study surveyed (June until August 2020) 187 orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia affiliated with the University of British Columbia or the British Columbia Orthopaedic Association using an online survey to help identify the impact of COVID-19 on patient care, work and personal life.
Results:
Eighty-seven out of 187 (46.5%) orthopaedic surgeons participated in the online survey. All types of surgeries were completely cancelled for 23 respondents. Elective surgeries were cancelled for most respondents (in-hospital n = 38 and/or ambulatory n = 32). Trauma cases were reduced according to 35 respondents. Outpatient clinics were stopped initially and transferred in virtual clinics (telemedicine). Approximately 40% of respondents were afraid of infecting others (patients, family) and 25% admitted to drink more heavily. Ninety percent of respondents reported an income loss of > 15% (range 0-100%).
Conclusion:
Orthopaedic surgeons and their patients have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellation of surgeries has created an increased backlog of 32,400 orthopaedic surgeries in British Columbia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the implementation of telemedicine, which will be a long-lasting benefit in providing healthcare.
More Related Videos
05:57A Teleoperated Robotic System-Assisted Percutaneous Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation Technique
Published on: January 6, 2023
09:51The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:30Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...