Roadmap for Resuming Elective Surgery after COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Surgeon General and many medical specialties recommended interim cancelation of elective surgical procedures.
The American College of Surgeons, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and American Hospital Association have put together A Roadmap for Resuming Elective Surgery after COVID-19 Pandemic.
Below is the list of principles and considerations to guide physicians, nurses and local facilities in their resumption of care in operating rooms and all procedural areas :
Timing for Reopening of Elective Surgery:
At least 14 days of a sustained reduction in the rate of new COVID-19 cases in the relevant geographic.
The facility should have an appropriate number of intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU beds, personal protective equipment, and ventilators. Moreover, trained staff to treat all non-elective patients without resorting to a crisis standard of care.
COVID-19 Testing within a Facility
Whenever possible, facilities should use available testing to protect staff and patient safety.
and should implement a policy addressing requirements and frequency for the patient and staff testing.
Personal Protective Equipment
Facilities should not resume elective surgical procedures until they have adequate PPE and medical-surgical supplies. It should be appropriate to the number and type of procedures to be performed.
Case Prioritization and Scheduling
Facilities should establish a prioritization policy committee consisting of surgery, anesthesia
and nursing leadership to develop a prioritization strategy appropriate to the immediate patient needs.
Post-COVID-19 Issues for the Five Phases of Surgical Care
Services should adopt policies addressing care issues specific to COVID-19 and the postponement of surgical scheduling.
Collection and Management of Data
Facilities should evaluate and reassess policies and procedures frequently, based onCOVID-19 related data, resources, testing and other clinical information.
COVID-related Safety and Risk Mitigation surrounding Second Wave
Facilities should have and implement a social distancing policy for staff, patients and visitors.
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