Abstract
Introduction The aims of this survey were to assess the experiences of the transition from in-person
to virtual meetings among European pediatric surgeons since the beginning of the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to identify preferences for future formats.
Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was circulated among members of the European Reference Network
for rare Inherited and Congenital Anomalies Network (ERNICA) in 2022. Two time periods
were compared (3 years before the COVID-19 pandemic vs. the year 2021).
Results A total of 87 pediatric surgeons from 16 countries completed the survey. In addition,
27% of respondents were trainees/residents and 73% consultants/lead surgeons. Consultants
participated in significantly more in-person congresses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
compared with trainees (5.2 vs. 1.9; p < 0.001). A significant increase in attendance of virtual meeting was reported during
2021 compared with pre-COVID-19 (1.4 vs. 6.7; p < 0.001). Consultants had experienced significantly less absenteeism thanks to virtual
meetings compared with trainees (42/61 vs. 8/23; p < 0.05). Most surgeons considered virtual meetings more economic (82%), practical
(78%), and family-friendly (66%). However, a majority reported missing social events
(78%). The communication among attendees or between attendees and speakers or scientific
faculty was deemed worse. A minority (14%) experienced equalized representation of
trainees and consultants at virtual meetings. Most respondents (58%) agreed that future
meeting strategies should focus on offering virtual formats. Regarding future congresses,
respondents prefer hybrid (62%) over in-person (33%) or virtual (6%) formats.
Conclusion According to European pediatric surgeons, virtual learning formats hold multiple
advantages and should be continued. Improved technology must meet the challenges,
particularly to enhance communication, equal representation, and networking between
attendees.
Keywords
hybrid conferences - virtual learning - in-person meetings - COVID-19 pandemic - pediatric
surgeons
