Geospatial Distribution of Neurosurgeons Age 60 and Older Relative to the Spread of COVID-19
Department
Neurosurgery
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
World neurosurgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To perform an ecological study to analyze the geospatial distribution of neurosurgeons ≥60 years old and compare these data with the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the United States. METHODS: Data regarding distribution of COVID-19 cases were collected from the Environmental Systems Research Institute, and demographic statistics were collected from the American Association of Medical Colleges 2019 State Workforce Reports. These figures were analyzed using geospatial mapping software. RESULTS: As of July 5, 2020, the 10 states with the highest number of COVID-19 cases showed older neurosurgical workforce proportions (the proportion of active surgeons ≥60 years old) of 20.6%-38.9%. Among states with the highest number of COVID-19 deaths, the older workforce proportions were 25.0%-43.4%. Connecticut demonstrated the highest with 43.4% of neurosurgeons ≥60 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Regional COVID-19 hotspots may coincide with areas where a substantial proportion of the neurosurgical workforce is ≥60 years old. Continuous evaluation and adjustment of local and national clinical practice guidelines are warranted throughout the pandemic era.
First Page
e259
Last Page
e266
DOI
10.1016/j.wneu.2020.10.037
Volume
145
Publication Date
10-17-2020
Recommended Citation
Jella, T. K., Desai, A., Jella, T., Steinmetz, M., Kimmell, K., Wright, J., & Wright, C. H. (2020). Geospatial Distribution of Neurosurgeons Age 60 and Older Relative to the Spread of COVID-19. World neurosurgery, 145, e259-e266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.10.037