Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digestive endoscopists: an Ibero-American study

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the world population, and has put health personnel in the spotlight as they are tasked with its management. Given their important role in the current health crisis, physicians have been heavily affected in terms of their professional practice, financial conditions and physical and mental health. The objective of this study was to determine the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for Colombian endoscopists and compare the effects on endoscopists from South America and from Spain. Methods: in June 2021, an electronic survey was sent to 292 endoscopists from Colombia, South America and Spain to determine the impact of the pandemic on their professional practice, economic situation, physical and mental health, and training of the residents under their charge. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. Results: a reduction in the number of endoscopic procedures was reported by 69.9 % of the respondents, and 72.3 % of endoscopists in Colombia stated that their income had decreased. Regarding the doctor-patient relationship, 43.8 % of the respondents believed it had worsened. In addition, 70.9 % reported having experienced changes in their emotional state, especially those related to feeling sad or depressed, and 56.5 % reported that the pandemic had negatively affected the training of residents. Finally, 24.7 % of endoscopists tested positive for COVID-19, and 19.2 % reported the death of a family member due to COVID-19. Conclusion: the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the professional practice, financial situation and physical and mental health of Ibero-American endoscopists. These problems must be identified in a timely manner to develop and implement strategies aimed to prevent their occurrence.