Evaluating the impact of work from home policies on Google search Trends related to ankle surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused notable shifts in healthcare behavior, influenced by remote work policies. This study examines the impact of Work from Home (WFH) policies on public interest in ankle-related orthopaedic surgeries, utilizing Google search trends. Understanding these trends is crucial for healthcare providers, enabling them to adapt services and communication to evolving patient needs during challenging times. OBJECTIVE: To comprehend variations in search volume and trends for ankle-related queries due to WFH policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Ankle-related terms accessible to laypersons were analyzed using Google Trends data from March 2018 to March 2022 in the United States. Data were divided into pre-pandemic (March 2018-March 2020) and post-pandemic (March 2020-March 2022) periods. Weekly search interest data for 20 terms were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test. The study aimed to identify significant changes in search interest, providing insights into public information-seeking behavior concerning ankle surgeries. RESULTS: Among the 20 terms analyzed, 11 exhibited significant changes. Ankle arthritis and ankle bursitis showed increased interest, suggesting heightened concern during the pandemic. Conversely, post-pandemic interest decreased for terms 9 terms, including ankle pain and ankle tendonitis, indicating reduced worry. Moderate declines were noted for ankle gout, Achilles tendonitis, and heel bursitis, reflecting shifting patient priorities. Some terms, including ankle fracture and ankle arthroplasty, showed stable information-seeking behavior despite the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the nuanced impact of WFH policies on public interest in ankle-related orthopaedic surgeries. Varied search trends highlight changing patient concerns. Healthcare providers can use these insights to tailor services effectively, meeting evolving patient needs and enhancing communication strategies.