The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Reconstructive Surgery and Training Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

IF 0.9 Q3 SURGERY
Mariama Ka, Ali Modarressi, Lionel Dumont
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, which already faces challenges due to a lack of surgeons and facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt surgical activities and training programs. "2nd Chance", a non-governmental organization providing training program to enhance local reconstructive surgery capacity in this region since 2015, could play a crucial role in addressing these issues. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 on the activity of sub-Saharan African reconstructive surgeons collaborating with "2nd Chance" organization and evaluate its effect on the organization's training programs.

Methods: In the course of 2022, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among reconstructive surgeons working in sub-Saharan African countries and collaborating with "2nd Chance". The survey consisted of 57 questions covering demographics, impacts of COVID-19 on personal life, clinical and training activities.

Results: Of 469 surgeons eligible for the study, 240 were included and 51 responded. The impact of COVID-19 was felt personally in terms of health and stress. Clinical activities were severely affected, with some reporting higher mortality due to surgical cancellations and delays. Regarding training, there was a shift from practical to theoretical learning, though overall impact was moderate. One-third of participants were able to attend "2nd Chance" workshops. Among the 17 planned workshops, 9 were successfully conducted, and 4 of them exclusively featured African trainers.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had substantial consequences on reconstructive surgery in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting more clinical practices than training programs. Collaboration between African and European trainers proved essential during the pandemic. In future pandemics, South-South collaborations should be prioritized.

COVID-19 大流行对撒哈拉以南非洲整形外科和培训计划的影响:横断面调查。
背景:在撒哈拉以南非洲地区,由于缺乏外科医生和设施,本已面临挑战,COVID-19 大流行可能会严重扰乱外科手术活动和培训计划。"第 2 次机会 "是一个非政府组织,自 2015 年以来一直在该地区提供培训项目,以提高当地的整形外科能力。我们旨在调查COVID-19对与 "第二次机会 "组织合作的撒哈拉以南非洲整形外科医生活动的影响,并评估其对该组织培训项目的影响:2022 年,对在撒哈拉以南非洲国家工作并与 "第二次机会 "组织合作的整形外科医生进行了在线横断面调查。调查包括 57 个问题,涉及人口统计学、COVID-19 对个人生活、临床和培训活动的影响:结果:在符合研究条件的 469 名外科医生中,有 240 人参与了调查,51 人做出了答复。COVID-19 对个人的影响体现在健康和压力方面。临床活动受到严重影响,一些人报告说,由于手术取消和延误,死亡率上升。在培训方面,培训从实践学习转向理论学习,但总体影响不大。三分之一的参与者能够参加 "第二次机会 "讲习班。在计划举办的 17 期讲习班中,有 9 期已成功举办,其中 4 期专门由非洲培训人员授课:COVID-19大流行对撒哈拉以南非洲地区的整形外科产生了重大影响,对临床实践的影响大于对培训计划的影响。事实证明,非洲和欧洲培训师之间的合作在大流行期间至关重要。在未来的大流行中,应优先考虑南南合作。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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