Change in Ophthalmology Practice during COVID-19 Pandemic: Egyptian Perspective.
Ophthalmologica
; 244(1): 76-82, 2021.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-690170
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmology practice in the Cairo metropolitan area.METHODS:
This is a cross-sectional observational analytic study among ophthalmologists practicing in different hospitals in the Cairo metropolitan area. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire covering general measures taken during practice.RESULTS:
The questionnaire was sent to 250 ophthalmologists, with an 82% response rate. Most of the participants were concerned about the economic impact of the pandemic, as there is a 60-80% reduction in the flow of patients with a consequent 80-100% reduction in surgical cases. Most of the participants have access to personal protective equipment, and the safety protocols are followed, especially by the older ophthalmologists. Thus, the surgeons are willing to perform elective surgeries, adhering to strict safety protocols (70.8, 42.6, and 18.8% of the refractive surgeons, corneal surgeons, and retinal surgeons, respectively; p = 0.00). Furthermore, 63.9% of the participants, especially the young ophthalmologists, are willing to see COVID-19 patients and operate on them if needed.CONCLUSIONS:
The COVID-19 pandemic could go on for months or even years with a significant impact on ophthalmology practice. Trying to keep a balance between safety and economic burden, the majority of ophthalmologists are willing to see elective patients and urgently operate on a COVID-19 patient, under adherence to the safety protocols.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Ophthalmology
/
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Ophthalmologica
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
000510548
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS