Effects of vaccination status in the United States on willingness to undergo surgery during a pandemic: A prospective survey study. Issue 26 (9th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruskin, Anna Clebone; Rice, Stephen; O'Connor, Michael; Ruskin, Keith J.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 40:Issue 26(2022)
• Page Start: 3536
• Page End: 3539
• Publication Date: 2022-06-09
• Subjects: Vaccine policy -- Vaccine hesitancy -- Surgery -- Pandemic -- Vaccine public opinion -- Vaccine wariness; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.05.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose of the Research: Modifiable and non-modifiable patient and hospital characteristics may affect willingness to undergo surgery during a pandemic. We hypothesized that vaccination of hospital staff and patients, type of surgery, and length of stay, would affect willingness to undergo a surgical procedure. 2006 adult participants in the United States were recruited electronically using Amazon's ® Mechanical Turk ® and answered a 26-item survey in English about hypothetical surgery, manipulating requirements for: staff vaccination, patient vaccination, surgical urgency, and time in hospital. They also answered questions about their opinions about vaccination, personal vaccination status, and demographics. Principle Results: Participants are more willing to undergo surgery if they have been vaccinated, if staff vaccinations are required, and if surgery is lifesaving and outpatient. Major Conclusions: Willingness to undergo surgery varies with hospital staff and patient vaccination. This may inform policies for vaccination, boosters, and resource allocation.