Abstract:

Aim The rapid spread of COVID-19 infection around the world has integrated some precautions and restrictions. In this new period, disruptions and re-prioritizations were experienced in medical practices. The aim of this study is to reveal the changes in the outpatient clinics and surgical services in the practice of Orthopedics and Traumatology in Turkey from the perspective of both residents and specialist physicians with a survey study. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the changes, a survey was prepared which had consisted 42 and 45 questions for residents and specialist working in Turkey, respectively. The survey was published online between December 6, 2020 and January 31, 2021. Data analysis were performed by dividing into 4 subgroups: 1) Demographic information, 2) Changes in internal tasking and working conditions, 3) Variety of services provided and changes in patient applications, 4) Changes in the health care delivery process. Results From all over Turkey 62 residents and 230 specialists participated in the survey. 80.4% (185) of the specialists participating in the study and 96.8% (60) of the residents were working in the pandemic hospital. During the pandemic, it was determined that the working hours of physicians were reduced by almost half, and also there was a decrease in the variety and quantity of elective cases. Furthermore, it was observed that the number of applications to emergency services and outpatients clinics decreased during this period. In addition to increased neglected trauma cases, increment of treatment rejection rates are among the observed results. Conclusion During the pandemic period, it is observed that there are significant disruptions in orthopedics and traumatology health care delivery and training processes. In the light of experiences, it is crucial to prepare health service action plans for other possible pandemic situations or new waves of COVID-19 due to mutations.

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