The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic practice in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is a global emerging viral disease caused by SARS- COV-2, 2019. It is a respiratory disease first reported in China in December 2019. It impacts on global health, economic, and social life with tremendous challenges. This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic practice in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic practice among orthopedic surgeons in Nigeria was done. The demographic characteristics, attitudes of orthopedic surgeons, available infrastructures, equipment, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their practices were assessed. Results: A total of 87 respondents participated. The age of respondents ranged between 30 and 70 years with most involved being between 41 and 50 years age group (51.72%). Males constituted 96.5%. Majority, 47 (54%), of the respondents were not satisfied with the level of preparedness of their hospitals for COVID-19 pandemic. There was inadequate laboratory testing for COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE), and water supply. Elective surgical services were suspended and only emergency surgical interventions were allowed in many of their hospitals. Though the outpatient clinics were open, services were scaled down in the majority of hospitals to reduce workloads and maximize the use of scarce hospital consumables and resources. Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 on orthopedic practice in Nigeria is huge with many unresolved challenges, absence of laid down protocols, basic equipment, testing materials, and PPE required for the management of COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend that the government provides adequate facilities and resources in hospitals to ensure optimal care during this pandemic.

Keywords

• covid-19 pandemic
• impact
• nigeria
• orthopedic practice