Are German endoscopy units prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic? A nationwide survey

Background and aims The COVID-19 pandemic challenges health care systems worldwide. In this situation, guidelines for health care professionals in endoscopy units with increased risk of infection by COVID-19 from inhalation of airborne droplets, conjunctival contact and feces are urgently needed. Recently, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the German Respiratory Society (DGP) issued recommendations. However, real-world data on the conditions and requirements of endoscopy units to adhere to this guidance are missing.

Methods We conducted an internet-based survey among German endoscopy units from all levels of care from April 1^st to 7^th, 2020. The survey comprised 33 questions and was distributed electronically by the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and the DGP.

Results In total, 656 endoscopy units completed the survey. Overall, 253 endoscopy units (39%) cancelled less than 40% of their procedures. Of note, private practices cancelled fewer than 40% of their procedures in 46% compared to 34% in hospital-based units. Complete separation of high-risk and COVID-19 positive patients was achieved in only 20% of the units. Procedural measures were well adopted, with 91% of the units systematically identifying patients at risk and 85% using risk-adapted personal protective equipment (PPE). For the future, shortages in PPE (81%) and/or staff (69%) and relevant financial losses (77%) were expected.

Conclusion Concise definitions of non-urgent, elective interventions and endoscopic surveillance strategies are needed to better guide endoscopic activity and cancellations of interventions. In the short term, a lack of PPE can constitute considerable impairment of endoscopy units’ operability and patient outcomes.

Publication History

Article published online:
08 September 2020