COVID-19 pandemic. Planning for surgery and implementation of a novel surgical safety checklist in an university hospital
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Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic may affect the surgical teams and patients.
Objective: The aim of this report was to describe the changes introduced in the structure and proces- ses of a surgical facility for the safe care of suspected and positive COVID-19 patients, and to describe the initial results of their implementation.
Material and methods: We conducted a prospective, descriptive and observational study between April 1 and May 31, 2020. The structural changes and the modifications introduced in the functioning processes within the surgical area of a university hospital adapted to the care of suspected and positi- ve COVID-19 patients, and the activities developed in such area were documented.
Results: There was a reduction in the number of scheduled and emergency surgeries performed during the study period. Of the 173 emergency surgeries, 17 (9.8%) were suspected cases and 3 (1.7%) resulted positive COVID-19 patients confirmed by PCR tests. None of the 136 patients undergoing scheduled surgeries were suspected or confirmed cases. Compliance with the checklist was 100%. There were no infections among the personnel working in the facility.
Conclusions: The changes implemented in the surgical facility allowed for adequate care of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients during the period, with complete adherence to recommendations and reduced risk of disease transmission in order to provide safety to patients and the health care team.