Abstract
ObjectiveThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is disrupting health services worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the provision of obstetrics and gynaecology services in the UK during the acute phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignInterview‐based national survey.SettingWomen's healthcare units in the National Health Service.PopulationJunior doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology.MethodsParticipants were interviewed by members of the UK Audit and Research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees' collaborative between 28 March and 7 April 2020. We used a quantitative analysis for closed‐ended questions and a thematic framework analysis for open comments.ResultsWe received responses from 148/155 units (95%), most of the participants were in years 3–7 of training (121/148, 82%). Most completed specific training drills for managing obstetric and gynaecological emergencies in women with COVID‐19 (89/148, 60.1%) and two‐person donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (96/148, 64.9%). The majority of surveyed units implemented COVID‐19‐specific protocols (130/148, 87.8%), offered adequate PPE (135/148, 91.2%) and operated dedicated COVID‐19 emergency theatres (105/148, 70.8%). Most units reduced face‐to‐face antenatal clinics (117/148, 79.1%) and suspended elective gynaecology services (131/148, 88.5%). The 2‐week referral pathway for oncological gynaecology was not affected in half of the units (76/148, 51.4%), but half reported a planned reduction in oncology surgery (82/148, 55.4%).ConclusionThe provision of obstetrics and gynaecology services in the UK during the acute phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic seems to be in line with current guidelines, but strategic planning is needed to restore routine gynaecology services and ensure safe access to maternity care in the long term.Tweetable abstractProvision of obstetrics and gynaecology services during the acute phase of COVID‐19 is in line with current guidelines, strategic planning is needed to restore routine services and ensure safe access to care in the long term.
Highlights
In less than 4 months, the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has sent shock waves through the global health system, significantly disrupting care provision with high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide.[1]
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of
We aimed to provide a snapshot assessment of current service provision in obstetrics and gynaecology in the National Health Service (NHS) by surveying junior doctors in all women’s healthcare units in the UK
Summary
In less than 4 months, the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has sent shock waves through the global health system, significantly disrupting care provision with high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide.[1]. Much morbidity arises from poor access to health services and depletion of valuable resources.[4,5,6] This is especially relevant to women’s health where access to acute care is in continual demand.[7] Recently, both the Ebola virus (2014/15)[8] and the ‘swine flu’ influenza A virus (2009)[9] epidemics had direct and indirect adverse effects on the wellbeing of women, leading to a significant increase in stillbirths and maternal mortality in affected communities.[10,11,12,13] Dealing with COVID-19 is challenging because of its asymptomatic presentation and the high risk of transmission to healthcare professionals.[14] The worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a particular worry to healthcare professionals caring for affected patients at great personal risk.[13] Poor logistical planning and the lack of rapid testing at the point of care have been a major worry for healthcare professionals in the UK National Health Service (NHS) facing this pandemic.[15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
