Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Latin American Neuromodulation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47924/neurotarget2022234Keywords:
Neuromodulation, COVID-19, Pandemic, Quarantine, Latin AmericaAbstract
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in the practice of Neuromodulation in Latin America.
Methods: A survey was sent to Latin American neuromodulation practitioners. The impact of COVID-19 on the professional and personal level were determined. All variables were statistically analyzed.
Results: Ninety four medical practitioners answered the complete survey from Brazil (48.9%), Argentina (25.5%), Mexico (7.4%), Chile (4.2%), Colombia (4.2%), Bolivia (3.1%), Ecuador (3.1%). and Uruguay (3.1%). Most of them were male (87.2%), in the 40-49 year age group (35.1%), with 15 or more years of experience (53.1%). Neurosurgeons were predominant (92.5%), DBS being the predominant practice (26.7%). A vast majority reported a decrease in surgical practices (98.9%), between 50 and 74% of them (38.2%), with the patient's decision being the most cited reason (37.2%), and DBS the most affected surgical technique (58.5%). 89.3% of those interviewed stated that the patients had been harmed, and that economic income decreased 25 to 100% in 84.05% of practitioners. At a personal level, 14.8% of respondents suffered from COVID-19, with moderate symptoms (71.4%). In addition, 48.9% suffered physical manifestations, as consequences of sedentary lifestyle (73.3%), and 40.42% reported psychological sequelae, 80% of them with anxiety.
Conclusion: The current COVID-19 pandemic yielded a significant impact on the daily work practice as well as on the personal level of practitioners in neuromodulation in Latin America. This impact must be taken into account in the long term to avoid further harmful effects and their sequels and to take appropriate preventive measures in the event of another pandemic.
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