What we learned from the COVID-19 first wave: a survey from Young Pediatric Urology Committee (YPUC) from ESPU

The coronavirus still has a big impact on medical work. All medical specialties have been called to confront this unexpected event, even pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to highlight the effect of pandemic on daily work of young pediatric surgeons during the COVID-19 first wave.

An online survey was sent via e-mail by the Scientific Committee of YPUC in April 2020. The impact of COVID-19 was invested, by analyzing the results of answers received. The difference between young consultants and trainees (C and T) were examined to assess the effect of pandemic in 2 different categories.

A total of 88 participants filled out the questionnaire. Guidelines around surgeries were well arranged: clear for 98% concerning triage with no difference between T and C; clear for 84% concerning preoperative screening and for 81% concerning surgical dressing with a significance difference between T and C in understanding (P=0.07 and P=0.06). Forty-two respondents (48%) tested all surgical patients and the 20% operated patients positive for COVID-19. Thirteen (15%) were relocated to work in other divisions on different tasks, 12 were C. 86% of T did not participate in surgeries as much as before.

The impact of the pandemic has been very significant for pediatric urologists and the difference between C and T confirm that the training could be impacted. After the first wave we should be careful on PPE, on preoperative screening of surgical patients and we should protect the trainee learning curve.