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. 2020 Dec;52(12):1396-1402.
doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.05.023. Epub 2020 May 23.

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on clinical practice and training of young gastroenterologists: A European survey

Giovanni Marasco  1 , Olga Maria Nardone  2 , Marcello Maida  3 , Ivo Boskoski  4 , Luca Pastorelli  5 , Franco Scaldaferri  6 ; Italian Association of Young Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist (AGGEI)
Affiliations

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on clinical practice and training of young gastroenterologists: A European survey

Giovanni Marasco et al. Dig Liver Dis. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is a major challenge for the healthcare system and physicians, imposing changes in daily clinical activity.

Aims: we aimed to describe what European trainees and young gastroenterologists know about COVID-19 and identify training gaps to implement educational programs.

Methods: A prospective web-based electronic survey was developed and distributed via e-mail to all members of the Italian Young Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Association and to European representatives.

Results: One hundred and ninety-seven subjects participated in the survey, of whom 14 (7.1%) were excluded. The majority were gastroenterologists in training (123, 67.7%) working in institutions with COVID-19 inpatients (159, 86.9%), aged ≤30 years (113, 61.8%). The activity of Gastroenterology Units was restricted to emergency visits and endoscopy, with reductions of activities of up to 90%. 84.5% of participants felt that the COVID-19 outbreak impacted on their training, due to unavailability of mentors (52.6%) and interruption of trainee's involvement (66.4%). Most participants referred absence of training on the use of personal protective equipment, oxygen ventilation systems and COVID-19 therapies.

Conclusion: COVID-19 outbreak significantly impacted on gastroenterologists' clinical activity. The resources currently deployed are inadequate, and therefore educational interventions to address this gap are warranted in the next future.

Keywords: Covid-19; Gastroenterology; Personal protective equipment; Survey; Training.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart for enrollment of participants in the Survey.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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