COVID-19 has infected over 22 million people in the United States (US) and has had a devastating impact on the US economy and health care system. In order to help slow the spread of the virus and save hospital resources, non-essential businesses were forced to close and elective surgeries have been postponed. As we reach the peak of the pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine gets distributed, health care systems must develop plans to safely resume elective surgeries. An effective institutional strategy not only includes clear perioperative testing protocols, but also education regarding clinical manifestations and exposure control to help keep surgeons, operating room teams, and patients safe.
Perioperative Medical and Surgical COVID-19 Issues: Keeping Surgeons, OR Teams, and Patients Safe