Experiences and well-being of healthcare professionals working in the field of ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were evolving: a cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Objective: Assess experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working with ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology during the evolving SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, given the new and unprecedented challenges involving viral exposure, personal protective equipment (PPE) and well-being.

Design: Prospective cross-sectional survey study.

Setting: Online international survey. Single-best, open box and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questions.

Participants: The survey was sent to 35 509 HCPs in 124 countries and was open from 7 to 21 May 2020. 2237/3237 (69.1%) HCPs from 115 countries who consented to participate completed the survey. 1058 (47.3%) completed the HADS.

Primary outcome measures: Overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, depression and anxiety among HCPs in relation to country and PPE availability.

Analyses: Univariate analyses were used to investigate associations without generating erroneous causal conclusions.

Results: Confirmed/suspected SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 13.0%. PPE provision concerns were raised by 74.1% of participants; highest among trainees/resident physicians (83.9%) and among HCPs in Spain (89.7%). Most participants worked in self-perceived high-risk areas with SARS-CoV-2 (67.5%-87.0%), with proportionately more trainees interacting with suspected/confirmed infected patients (57.1% vs 24.2%-40.6%) and sonographers seeing more patients who did not wear a mask (33.3% vs 13.9%-7.9%). The most frequent PPE combination used was gloves and a surgical mask (22.3%). UK and US respondents reported spending less time self-isolating (8.8 days) and lower satisfaction with their national pandemic response (37.0%-43.0%). 19.8% and 8.8% of respondents met the criteria for moderate to severe anxiety and depression, respectively.

Conclusions: Reported prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in HCPs is consistent with literature findings. Most respondents used gloves and a surgical mask, with a greater SARS-CoV-2 prevalence compared with those using 'full' PPE. HCPs with the least agency (trainees and sonographers) were not only more likely to see high-risk patients but also less likely to be protected. A fifth of respondents reported moderate to severe anxiety.

Keywords: gynaecology; public health; ultrasonography; ultrasound.