Open AccessImpact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients Perceptions of Safety and Need for Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery in the United States
Author(s) -
Jimmy Yu Wai Chan,
Kevin K. Chen,
P. Choi,
Edward Rojas,
Oliver N. Schipper,
Amiethab Aiyer,
César de César Netto,
Amgad M. Haleem Amin,
Anish R. Kadakia,
Ettore Vulcano
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
foot and ankle orthopaedics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2473-0114
DOI - 10.1177/2473011420s00162
Subject(s) - medicine , foot and ankle surgery , ankle , foot (prosody) , physical therapy , orthopedic surgery , pandemic , covid-19 , forefoot , cohort , surgery , disease , complication , linguistics , philosophy , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Arthroscopy; Bunion; Hindfoot; Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot; SportsIntroduction/Purpose: With the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective foot and ankle surgeries were delayed throughout the U.S. to divert healthcare resources and limit exposure. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on patient’s willingness to proceed with elective procedures once restrictions are lifted and factors contributing to such decision.Methods: Patients across six U.S. Orthopedic Institutions who had their elective foot and ankle surgeries cancelled secondary to the pandemic were given a questionnaire. Specifically, patients were asked about their willingness to move forward with surgery once restrictions were lifted and if not why. Pain-level and pain medication use were also assessed. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors that contribute to patient’s decisions.Results: A total of 150 patients participated in this study. N=21 (14%) opted not to proceed with surgery once restrictions were lifted. 43% (N=9) listed concern for COVID infection as the reason, however, 14% of them would proceed if procedures were performed in surgery center. Twenty-nine (19% of the total cohort) patients had increased pain and 11% of patients were taking more pain meds because of the delay to their procedure. Patients who decided not to proceed with surgery reported pain reduction (3% vs. 14%) and lower increase in pain medication used (5% vs. 12%).Conclusion: COVID-19 has made a significant impact on the healthcare. Delay of elective foot and ankle procedures impact patient quality of life and outcomes. Access to surgery centers may provide a partial solution during the pandemic.