Endoscopy 2021; 53(S 01): S36
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1724343
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Impact of the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic on Gastroenterology Units in Italy: a National Survey

M Maida
1   Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
,
S Sferrazza
2   Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
,
E Savarino
3   Oncology and Gastroenterology - DiSCOG, University of Padua, Department of Surgery, Padova, Italy
,
L Ricciardiello
4   S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna, Italy
,
A Repici
5   Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
,
F Morisco
6   Gastroenterology Unit, University of Naples, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Napoli, Italy
,
M Furnari
7   University of Genoa, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
,
L Fuccio
4   S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Bologna, Italy
,
GC Morreale
1   Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
,
A Vitello
1   Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
,
P Burra
8   Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padova, Italy
,
S Marchi
9   University of Pisa, Gastrointestinal Unit-Department of Translational Sciences and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Pisa, Italy
,
B Annibale
10   Digestive Disease Unit, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, ENETS Center of Excellence, Roma, Italy
,
A Benedetti
11   Università Politecnica delle Marche, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ancona, Italy
,
D Alvaro
12   Department of Precision and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
,
G Ianiro
13   Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Digestive Disease Center, Roma, Italy
,
On behalf of Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) › Author Affiliations
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    Aims This is a prospective observational web-based survey aimed to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Gastroenterology Units in Italy.

    Methods All members of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) were invited to answer a 39-point multiple-choice web-based survey between March 30th and April 7th 2020.

    Results Data of 121 hospitals from all 20 Italian regions were analyzed. Overall, 10.7 % of Gastroenterology divisions have been converted to COVID Units. Outpatients consultations, endoscopic and ultrasound procedures were limited to urgencies and oncology indications in 85.1 %, 96.2 % and 72.2 % of Units, respectively, and 46.7 % of Units suspended the screening for colorectal cancer.In order to guarantee the ordinary follow-up of outpatients, 83/121 (68.6 %) divisions activated a remote consultancy service (63.9 % by phone, 31.3 % by email, 4.8 % by video).

    Overall, 112/121 (92.6 %) GI Units issued and followed a specific protocol for the management of patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

    The 72.2 % of the staff received proper training for the use of personal protective equipment, although 45.5 % did not have sufficient devices for an adequate replacement.

    With regard to PPE availability, N95/FFP2-3 masks were available in 91/121 (75.2 %), surgical masks in 115/121 (95.0 %), gloves in 117/121 (96.7 %), disposable gown in 100/121 (82.6 %), hairnet in 104/121 (85.9 %), goggles in 78/121 (64.5 %) and boots in 57/121 (47.1 %) of divisions.

    Finally, in 41/121 GI divisions (33.9 %) there was at least one healthcare professional who got infected, in a total of 132 subjects, of which 121/132 from divisions not-converted to COVID Units and 75/132 from high-prevalence areas.

    Conclusions Substantial changes of practice and reduction of procedures have been recorded in the entire country during the first wave of the pandemic. The long-term impact of such modifications is difficult to estimate but potentially very risky for many digestive diseases.

    Citation: Maida M, Sferrazza S, Savarino E et al. OP84 IMPACT OF THE SARS-COV-2 PANDEMIC ON GASTROENTEROLOGY UNITS IN ITALY: A NATIONAL SURVEY. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S36.


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    Publication History

    Article published online:
    19 March 2021

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