Consequences of the COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for gastroenterology in Germany

The recommendations of the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in gastroenterological patients are accessible on the homepage of the Society under information at . Recommendations for protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been published by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA). Separate endoscopy rooms for high-risk patients and negative pressure rooms should be included in the planning of future endoscopy unit projects. It is unclear whether a continuing prioritization of gastroenterological services after the first wave of COVID-19 is necessary in the future. The report of the Scientific Institute of the AOK health insurance company (WldO) and surveys of the Working Group of Clinical Gastroenterologists (ALGK) and the Professional Association of Private Gastroenterologists in Germany (bng) demonstrated that the coronavirus lockdown led to a significant reduction of gastrointestinal diseases and gastroenterological services including screening colonoscopy. It is likely that the reduction of the overcapacity of the German healthcare system will also be continued by reduction of inpatient services after the corona pandemic has been overcome. It is essential to keep the medical profession attractive for young colleagues. The high rates of burnout and suicide and the difficult compatibility with the requirements of a life balance are alarm signals that have to be solved.