TY - JOUR
T1 - Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy in Africa
AU - Ebigbo, Alanna
AU - Karstensen, John Gasdal
AU - Bhat, Purnima
AU - Ijoma, Uchenna
AU - Osuagwu, Chukwuemeka
AU - Desalegn, Hailemichael
AU - Oyeleke, Ganiyat K.
AU - Gebru, Rezene B.
AU - Guy, Claire
AU - Antonelli, Giulio
AU - Vilmann, Peter
AU - Aabakken, Lars
AU - Hassan, Cesare
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - Background and study aims As with all other fields of medical practice, gastrointestinal endoscopy has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data on the impact of the pandemic in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. Methods A web-based survey was conducted by the International Working Group of the European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the World Endoscopy Organization to determine the impact and effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on endoscopists in African countries. Results Thirty-one gastroenterologists from 14 countries in north, central, and sub-Saharan Africa responded to the survey. The majority of respondents reduced their endoscopy volume considerably. Personal protective equipment including FFP-2 masks were available in almost all participating centers. Pre-endoscopy screening was performed as well. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on gastrointestinal endoscopy in most African countries; however, the impact may not have been as devastating as expected.
AB - Background and study aims As with all other fields of medical practice, gastrointestinal endoscopy has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data on the impact of the pandemic in Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. Methods A web-based survey was conducted by the International Working Group of the European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the World Endoscopy Organization to determine the impact and effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on endoscopists in African countries. Results Thirty-one gastroenterologists from 14 countries in north, central, and sub-Saharan Africa responded to the survey. The majority of respondents reduced their endoscopy volume considerably. Personal protective equipment including FFP-2 masks were available in almost all participating centers. Pre-endoscopy screening was performed as well. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on gastrointestinal endoscopy in most African countries; however, the impact may not have been as devastating as expected.
U2 - 10.1055/a-1210-4274
DO - 10.1055/a-1210-4274
M3 - Article
VL - 8
SP - E1097-E1101
JO - Endoscopy International Open (EIO)
JF - Endoscopy International Open (EIO)
IS - 8
ER -