The Role of the Hand Surgeon in Microsurgery in Brazil

Impact of COVID-19 on the Work, Health, and Quality of Life of Brazilian Hand Surgeons

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the clinical practice, health, and quality of life of Brazilian hand surgeons when only essential services and emergency procedures were being provided.

METHOD

A questionnaire of 50 questions was sent to members of the Brazilian Society of Hand Surgery addressing work and life routines before the pandemic and during the initial quarantine period from April to August 2020.

RESULTS

Two hundred ten hand surgeons answered the questionnaire; 55.2% lived in the southeast region and worked in the capital and metropolitan regions, in both the private and public systems. Thirty-eight percent of the sample had other sources of income besides medicine, and due to a drop of 50% or more in the volume of consultations and surgeries, one-third had to apply for financial loans or access personal savings, and 69% made financial cuts in their domestic and life routines. More than 40% gained weight and stopped doing physical activities, while 20% lost weight and started physical activities. Approximately 30% were diagnosed with COVID-19, 92% of whom had mild symptoms and quarantined at home, and 89% had psychological symptoms such as anxiety, fear, insecurity, and insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronavirus disease 2019 had a significant impact on the lives of Brazilian hand surgeons by drastically reducing the number of consultations and surgical procedures, generating not only financial difficulties but also changes in the exercise routine, changes in body weight, associated psychological symptoms, and changes in the family/life routine.