The Impact of COVID-19 on Head and neck Surgical Specialties in Southwest England: Planning for Training Recovery

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted delivery of many surgical services and surgical training programmes. It is now clear that the most negative impact on training has been experienced by those in surgical specialties. We surveyed head and neck surgeons and report the impact of disrupted operating on training and discuss strategies for training recovery. Material(s) and Method(s) We disseminated a ten-question online survey to OMFS, ENT and Ophthalmology surgeons of multiple grades, working across 5 hospital sites in southwest England. We surveyed demographic aspects including age, gender, grade, and workplace. Questions were directed to analyse the impact of the pandemic on operating, training, surgical skills and CPD. Results/Statistics The response rate was 70%. 96.55% of respondents' elective operating was less than pre-pandemic numbers. 86% reported PPE had made their operating more difficult. 37% of respondents reported feeling they have de-skilled and 27% felt their confidence had reduced. 54% reported compromised training opportunities. However, many felt they had learned new skills, with 70% responding they now had better virtual working and remote consulting skills. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance Our multi-site survey quantitatively demonstrates the impact the pandemic has had on head and neck surgeons' operating and training. Training recovery is now a priority across all surgical specialties. We suggest a multifaceted approach to training recovery within OMFS, including use of simulation-based education. Copyright © 2022