Clinical practice in hospital during Covid-19 era; an experience of orthopedic surgeons

Objective: To assess the problems of orthopaedic surgeons in covid-19 era. Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at the orthopedic department of Liaquat college of Medicine and dentistry for a period of 1 month from using snow ball sampling technique. Orthopedic surgeons either consultant or resident were included in the study. Results:: Out of 110 respondents, 47(42.7%) were consultants and 63(57.3%) residents. We found that 96(87.3%) surgeons feared of getting an infection and 100(96.4%) feared of getting infection to families. 97(88.2%) thought there were lack of medical facilities for the families and 94(85.5%) regarded a lack of surgical skills and continued medical education. 99(90%) surgeons agreed that they modified treatment plans of surgery during the COVID-19 period, however, 91 (82.7%) continued their surgical practice during COVID period. Only six(5.5%) surgeons had separate operating room available for Covid patients. Conclusion: Majority of the surgeons feared of getting infected themselves as well as to their families. Lack of medical facilities and surgical skills were unanimous. Due to COVID-19, most surgeons had to change or modify their treatment surgical plans. However most surgeons continued their surgical practice where major procedures carried out were emergency procedures.