How Much has COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Indian Orthopaedic Practice? Results of an Online Survey

• Published in: Indian journal of orthopaedics 2020-12, Vol.54 (Suppl 2), p.358-367
• Main Authors: Keshav, Kumar, Kumar, Amit, Sharma, Pulak, Baghel, Anurag, Mishra, Prabhaker, Huda, Najmul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conservative Orthopedics; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original; Original Article; Orthopedics; Surgical Orthopedics
• ISSN: 0019-5413; 1998-3727
• DOI: 10.1007/s43465-020-00218-z

Backgroud Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally affecting all strata of people including the orthopaedic surgeons of India. We have witnessed a drastic fall in the number of patients. The aim of study was to assess the extent to which the Indian orthopaedic practice has been affected by the pandemic. Methods We conducted an online survey amongst currently practicing Indian orthopaedic surgeons. Those currently not in practice or under training or having left clinical practice before the onset of pandemic were excluded. A total of 533 orthopaedic surgeons took part in the study amongst which, complete responses were obtained from 407 individuals. Statistical analysis was done to see the association between demographic profile of study participants and various variables of orthopaedic practice. Results There was drastic fall in all the parameters of orthopaedic practice. Over half of the practicing surgeons witnessed fall in out-patients over 90%. Most had stopped elective surgeries (64%) and even emergency ones (21%) altogether. More than 50% of doctors had their earnings reduced by > 75%. We found a statistically highly significant association of reduction in earnings with the sector, type of set-up and duration of practice. ( p -value