SP4.2.1 The Global impact of COVID-19 on Surgeons and Team members (GlobalCOST) Study

Abstract Aims To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of surgeons and allied health professionals across the world and assess the support provided by their institutions. Methods An online survey was distributed through medical organisations, social media platforms and collaborators from the 15th of July to the 15th of December 2020. Results 1590 responses were received. 80.0% were surgeons, 6.4% nurses, 5.3% assistants, 3.1% anaesthetists, 1.4% operating department practitioners and 3.8% classed as other. Of participants, 64.0% had found difficulty gaining access to personal protective equipment (PPE), 29.8% had not received training on its use and 32.0% had become physically ill since the start of the pandemic (59.9% of which were due to COVID-19 symptoms). 29.0% saw a decrease in salary and 35.2% a decrease in time spent with family. Between a time two weeks before the start of the pandemic and after, there was a significant increase in mean scores for depression (4.22 (CI = 3.98-4.46)) and anxiety (2.24 (CI = 2.01-2.46)), based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) respectively (p < 0.0001). In terms of support, only 36.0% had easy access to occupational health, 58.5% were able to take regular breaks, 16.5% had access to 24 hour rest facilities and 14.2% to 24 hour food and drink facilities. Conclusions This work has highlighted a need and ways in which to improve conditions for the health workforce. This will inevitably have a positive effect on the care received by patients.