Rimmer, MP, Al Wattar, BH, Barlow, Catriona, Black, Naomi, Carpenter, Ciara, Conti-Ramsden, Frances, Dalton, John AW, Davies, Rhianna, Davies, Rebecca, Dunlop, Cheryl et al (show 18 more authors)
(2020)
Provision of obstetrics and gynaecology services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of junior doctors in the UK National Health Service.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, 127 (9).
pp. 1123-1128.
Abstract
<h4>Objective</h4>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is disrupting health services worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the provision of obstetrics and gynaecology services in the UK during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.<h4>Design</h4>Interview-based national survey.<h4>Setting</h4>Women's healthcare units in the National Health Service.<h4>Population</h4>Junior doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants were interviewed by members of the UK Audit and Research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees' collaborative between 28 March and 7 April 2020. We used a quantitative analysis for closed-ended questions and a thematic framework analysis for open comments.<h4>Results</h4>We received responses from 148/155 units (95%), most of the participants were in years 3-7 of training (121/148, 82%). Most completed specific training drills for managing obstetric and gynaecological emergencies in women with COVID-19 (89/148, 60.1%) and two-person donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (96/148, 64.9%). The majority of surveyed units implemented COVID-19-specific protocols (130/148, 87.8%), offered adequate PPE (135/148, 91.2%) and operated dedicated COVID-19 emergency theatres (105/148, 70.8%). Most units reduced face-to-face antenatal clinics (117/148, 79.1%) and suspended elective gynaecology services (131/148, 88.5%). The 2-week referral pathway for oncological gynaecology was not affected in half of the units (76/148, 51.4%), but half reported a planned reduction in oncology surgery (82/148, 55.4%).<h4>Conclusion</h4>The provision of obstetrics and gynaecology services in the UK during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be in line with current guidelines, but strategic planning is needed to restore routine gynaecology services and ensure safe access to maternity care in the long term.<h4>Tweetable abstract</h4>Provision of obstetrics and gynaecology services during the acute phase of COVID-19 is in line with current guidelines, strategic planning is needed to restore routine services and ensure safe access to care in the long term.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Coronavirus, coronavirus disease 2019, gynaecology, national health service, obstetrics, survey, women's health care |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2021 08:34 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2023 21:36 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1471-0528.16313 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16313 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3128977 |
Dimensions
Dimensions
