Practice impact of COVID-19 on obstetricians and gynaecologists across Canada

Objectives

COVID-19 has changed the health care ecosystem and impacted physician health and financial stability. For both obstetrical and gynaecological services, delivery of care and efficiencies have been affected to accommodate physical distancing principles and ensure staff and patient safety. This study aims to understand the practice impact of COVID-19 on OB/GYNs across Canada, including changes in income and expenses, as well as changes in the health care delivery model.

Methods

This is an online survey-based observational study administered to 695 OB/GYNs across Canada.

Results

Of the 129 respondents, 84% reported a decrease in monthly revenue, with 17% reporting a significant (>50%) decrease. OB/GYNs with the greatest reduction in revenue were those practicing primarily in gynecology. Reproductive Endocrinologists reported the largest reduction in revenue of all subspecialists. Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists reported to have a stable or increased revenue. Age and gender were not associated with revenue change or use of telemedicine. As well, 93% of OB/GYNs reported a drop in in-person visits and 67% stated that they would continue to provide care through telehealth in the future.

Conclusions

The majority of OB/GYNs across the country had to alter their health care delivery model during COVID-19. Practices with a larger percentage of obstetrics had minimal financial impact during the pandemic. These findings suggest that the burden of finances due to COVID-19, changes to the health care delivery model and the way some OB/GYNs will provide care in the future will greatly vary depending on their subspecialty and scope of practice.